Kilnsey Crag and Mastiles Lane
North Yorkshire
Kilnsey Crag is one of the Yorkshire Dales' best known landmarks, on a route where dogs go on a lead past grazing sheep and farm animals for much of the year: a sheer 55 metre limestone cliff that leans out over the road in upper Wharfedale and draws rock climbers. This short 3.2km circuit starts at Conistone Bridge, crosses to the foot of the crag, and climbs gently onto the limestone edge above before joining Mastiles Lane, an old drovers' road with origins as a Roman route that was later used by the monks of Fountains Abbey to move sheep across the fells. The return leg drops past Kilnsey Park, a working trout farm and small animal park, back to the bridge. With only 72 metres of climbing over the whole loop, this is one of the easier and shorter walks in the Dales.
This is a dog friendly walk that works well as a shorter outing or an add-on to a longer day in Wharfedale. Off-lead potential is moderate on the quieter stretch of Mastiles Lane, though the fields around Kilnsey carry sheep for much of the year, so keep dogs on a lead near livestock and on the lane close to the road. Kilnsey Park itself has farm animals behind fencing, and dogs are generally kept on leads passing it. There's no natural water on this short route, so bring some, particularly in summer. The Tennant's Arms in Kilnsey is dog friendly and sits right at the foot of the crag, a good spot to finish.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.2 km (2.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr
- Walk Type
- Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Tea shop at Kilnsey Park Trout Farm; the Tennant's Arms pub is dog friendly.
- Parking
- Roadside parking near Conistone Bridge, or a layby on Mastiles Lane.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Kilnsey Crag and Mastiles Lane, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Wayside Cottage - Kettlewell
Sleeps 3 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £572 / 7 nights
Town End Farm - Stable Cottage
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £745 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Kilnsey Crag and Mastiles Lane dog friendly?
This is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7/10 for dog friendliness. The 3.2km loop is short and easy, with only 72 metres of climbing, making it manageable for most dogs. After the walk, the Tennant's Arms in Kilnsey is dog friendly and sits right at the foot of the crag — a great place to wind down.
Can dogs be off lead at Kilnsey Crag and Mastiles Lane?
Off-lead potential is moderate on this route. The quieter stretches of Mastiles Lane offer the best opportunity to let dogs roam a little, but the fields around Kilnsey carry sheep for much of the year, so leads are essential near livestock and on the lane close to the road. Dogs should also be kept on leads passing Kilnsey Park, which has farm animals behind fencing.
What should I know before visiting Kilnsey Crag and Mastiles Lane with my dog?
The most important thing to be aware of is that this route passes grazing sheep and farm animals for much of the year, so your dog will need to be reliably under control — on a lead for most of the walk. There's no natural water source along the route, so bring your own, especially on warmer days. Parking is available roadside near Conistone Bridge or in a layby on Mastiles Lane.
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