Knaresborough, Nidd Gorge and Old Bilton Circular
North Yorkshire
Knaresborough's Nidd Gorge is a wooded ravine carved by the River Nidd just north of the town, where dogs can run off lead along much of the riverside and paddle in the shallows, and this 9.7km circuit links it with the neighbouring village of Old Bilton. From the Conyngham Hall car park the route follows the river through mixed woodland, using boardwalks over the boggier sections, before climbing away from the water on grassy paths, tarmac lanes and a stretch of the Nidderdale Greenway cycle track. The gorge reaches around 37 metres deep in places, and the return leg drops steeply back down to the riverbank, with several flights of stone steps and stiles to negotiate. With 261 metres of climbing across the loop, this is a proper leg-stretcher rather than a stroll.
This is a dog friendly walk with miles of woodland and riverbank to roam, and plenty of water for a dog to drink, paddle or swim in along the Nidd. Off-lead potential is good through most of the gorge, though dogs should go back on the lead near the river's steep banks, on the tarmac lanes and where the route shares the Nidderdale Greenway with cyclists. Livestock is not a major concern on this route. Refreshments are available at the dog friendly Ugly Duckling Tea Room by the car park, and the Gardeners Arms in Old Bilton welcomes dogs on leads in its bar and beer garden.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.7 km (6.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 50 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Ugly Duckling Tea Room (dog friendly) at Conyngham Hall; the Gardeners Arms in Old Bilton welcomes dogs on leads.
- Parking
- Conyngham Hall car park, Knaresborough, pay and display.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Knaresborough, Nidd Gorge and Old Bilton Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Duck Cottage - Grewelthorpe
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £620 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to Knaresborough, Nidd Gorge and Old Bilton Circular. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
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All dog friendly hotels in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Knaresborough, Nidd Gorge and Old Bilton Circular dog friendly?
This is a great choice for a day out with your dog, earning a solid 8/10 for dog friendliness. The route offers miles of woodland and riverbank to explore, with the River Nidd providing plenty of opportunities for paddling or a swim. At the end of the walk you have two welcoming spots to choose from: the Ugly Duckling Tea Room by the car park at Conyngham Hall, and the Gardeners Arms in Old Bilton, which accepts dogs on leads in its bar and beer garden.
Can dogs be off lead at Knaresborough, Nidd Gorge and Old Bilton Circular?
Off-lead potential is good through most of the gorge, so your dog should get a proper run through the woodland and along the riverbank. You'll want to pop them back on the lead near the steep river banks, on the tarmac lanes, and where the route joins the Nidderdale Greenway, which is shared with cyclists. Livestock isn't a major concern on this route, which makes it a little more relaxed in that respect.
What should I know before visiting Knaresborough, Nidd Gorge and Old Bilton Circular with my dog?
This is a 9.7km loop with 261 metres of climbing, so it's a proper workout rather than a gentle stroll — worth bearing in mind for older or less fit dogs. The return leg descends steeply back to the riverbank via stone steps and stiles, and some sections use boardwalks over boggy ground, so dogs that struggle with steps or uneven surfaces may find it tricky. Parking is at Conyngham Hall car park in Knaresborough, which is pay and display.
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