Masham and the River Ure Walk

Masham and the River Ure Walk earns a solid 7.5 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The route itself offers flat riverside turf and meadow paths well suited to dogs, and the town of Masham has plenty of welcoming pubs and cafes, including The White Bear and The Kings Head. The Black Sheep Brewery visitor centre also welcomes dogs in its outdoor areas.

Dogs can enjoy off-lead time on the meadow sections where livestock is absent and along the quieter stretches of path. You'll need to keep them on the lead through Masham's streets, at the kissing gates into Swinton Park grounds, and wherever cattle are grazing the water meadows. There are also shallow stretches of the River Ure where confident swimmers can have a dip.

The paths are largely flat riverside turf and firm estate track, making this a manageable walk for most dogs, but there are a few stiles that larger dogs will need to be lifted over. Parking is available at Masham market square and Thorpe Road car park with an honesty box system at £1, and public toilets can be found off the market square. Keep leads handy for the sections through town and any areas where cattle may be grazing the water meadows.