Masham and the River Ure Walk
North Yorkshire
Masham is a dog friendly market town best known for Black Sheep and Theakston's breweries, and this short circuit starts in the cobbled market square, drops down to the wide River Ure and loops back along the tributary River Burn through meadow and parkland at Swinton. There are shallow stretches of river where confident swimmers can dip in.
Dogs can be off lead on the meadow sections where livestock is absent and along quiet paths, but lead up through Masham's streets, at the kissing gates into Swinton Park grounds, and anywhere cattle are grazing the water meadows. The paths are flat riverside turf and firm estate track, with a few stiles that bigger dogs will need lifting over and one short quiet-lane section. Masham has pay and display parking with honesty boxes, toilets off the square, and plenty of dog friendly pubs and cafes including The White Bear and The Kings Head.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.7 km (2.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 25 min
- Walk Type
- River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Public toilets off the market square; dog friendly pubs and cafes in Masham; Black Sheep Brewery visitor centre welcomes dogs outside.
- Parking
- Honesty box pay and display at £1 around Masham market square and Thorpe Road car park (grid SE230774).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Masham and the River Ure Walk dog friendly?
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.
Can dogs be off lead at Masham and the River Ure Walk?
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.
What should I know before visiting Masham and the River Ure Walk with my dog?
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.
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