Huggate Circular via Horse Dale and Holm Dale
East Yorkshire
Huggate sits high on the chalk of the Yorkshire Wolds where dogs need a lead around the cattle, horses and sheep grazing the dales, ringed by the steep sided dry valleys that make this part of East Yorkshire so distinctive. This 9.7km circuit from the village heads out on farm tracks and field paths to drop into Horse Dale and Holm Dale, follows a bridleway section of the Yorkshire Wolds Way along the valley floor, and returns over Cow Dale and the open top of Huggate Wold. Along the way is the secret poetry bench, a carved seat by artist Angus Ross inscribed with a poem by John Wedgwood Clark. Expect around 150 metres of climbing in and out of the dales, on grassy valley bottoms, chalky farm tracks, bridleways and a short stretch of quiet field lined road.
This dog friendly walk follows public rights of way through working farmland, so it suits a dog that is happy on a lead for long stretches. Cattle and horses graze some of the dales, and local walkers advise keeping dogs on a lead around them, and around the sheep if your dog gets excited by them. The chalk valleys are dry, with no streams on route, so carry plenty of water for your dog, and there is little shade in summer. The Wolds Inn and Walnut Cottage Tea Rooms are in the village for afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.7 km (6.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- The Wolds Inn and Walnut Cottage Tea Rooms in Huggate; no facilities on route.
- Parking
- Small village parking area near the Wolds Inn in Huggate.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Huggate Circular via Horse Dale and Holm Dale, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old St Johns Church
Sleeps 10 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £2,071 / 7 nights
Ryehills Farm - The Old Dairy
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £807 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in East YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Huggate Circular via Horse Dale and Holm Dale dog friendly?
This 9.7km circuit through the chalk valleys of the Yorkshire Wolds is dog friendly, earning a 7 out of 10 rating. It follows public rights of way including a section of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, and the village of Huggate has both a pub and a tea room to round off the walk nicely.
Can dogs be off lead at Huggate Circular via Horse Dale and Holm Dale?
Off-lead time is limited on this route, as it passes through working farmland where cattle, horses and sheep graze the dales. Local walkers advise keeping dogs on a lead around livestock throughout, so this walk is best suited to a dog that's comfortable being leashed for long stretches.
What should I know before visiting Huggate Circular via Horse Dale and Holm Dale with my dog?
The chalk valleys are dry with no streams along the route, so it's important to bring plenty of water for your dog, especially in summer when there's also little shade. The walk involves around 150 metres of climbing on grassy valley floors and chalky tracks, and after you're done, The Wolds Inn and Walnut Cottage Tea Rooms are both in the village.
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Village car park near the Wolds Inn, Driffield Road, Huggate, York YO42 1YH
53.9838, -0.6560
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