Redmire Force and Bolton Castle Circular
North Yorkshire
Redmire is a small Wensleydale village below Bolton Castle where dogs cross the river on stepping stones and share fields with grazing sheep, and this 7.2km circuit follows footpaths and quiet lanes south to Redmire Force, a series of three waterfalls where the River Ure drops over broad rocky ledges. The route crosses the river on stepping stones at Slapestone Wath before climbing back through Lower Thoresby towards Redmire, with wide views across to Penhill and into Walden and Bishopdale along the way. Bolton Castle, a well preserved 14th century fortress with gardens and a maze, stands above the village and is visible for much of the return leg. The going is easy underfoot on field paths and lanes, with a moderate amount of climbing.
This is a dog friendly walk with the River Ure giving dogs a chance to paddle at Redmire Force, though the rocks can be slippery close to the falls, so keep an eye on an adventurous dog near the edge. Off-lead potential is moderate on the quieter lanes and field paths, but Wensleydale is sheep country, so expect livestock in the fields and keep dogs on a lead when grazing animals are about. The stepping stones at Slapestone Wath can be tricky for a dog to cross confidently after rain, when the river runs higher. The Bolton Arms in Redmire is dog friendly and has a garden with views, a good place to finish.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- River, Historic, Waterfall
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- The Bolton Arms in Redmire is dog friendly, with a garden.
- Parking
- Roadside parking around Redmire village green.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Redmire Force and Bolton Castle Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old Sorting Office
Sleeps 6 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,021 / 7 nights
The Secret Garden - Richmond
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £705 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to Redmire Force and Bolton Castle 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 Redmire Force and Bolton Castle Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this 7.2km Wensleydale circuit earns a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. Dogs get to cross the River Ure on stepping stones, paddle at the rocky cascades of Redmire Force, and trot along quiet field paths and lanes throughout. The Bolton Arms in Redmire is dog friendly with a garden, making it a great spot to round off the walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Redmire Force and Bolton Castle Circular?
Off-lead potential is moderate here — the quieter lanes and some of the field paths offer reasonable freedom, but this is sheep country, so you'll need to put your dog on a lead whenever livestock are grazing nearby. That's likely to be a regular occurrence across the route, so it's worth having a reliable recall before you visit.
What should I know before visiting Redmire Force and Bolton Castle Circular with my dog?
A couple of things are worth keeping in mind. The rocks around Redmire Force can be slippery, so keep a close eye on any dog that's inclined to explore too near the edge of the falls. The stepping stones at Slapestone Wath can also be trickier to cross after rain when the river runs higher, which some dogs may find less than confidence-inspiring. Livestock will be a regular feature of the fields, so a lead is essential when grazing animals are about.
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