Richmond Castle and the River Swale Walk
North Yorkshire
Richmond Castle broods on its bluff above the River Swale, and this dog friendly riverside loop drops beneath the walls, tracks the tumbling Swale downstream past Georgian millhouses to the atmospheric ruins of Easby Abbey, then returns along the old Richmond to Darlington railway path. Between the town, the castle, the river and the abbey there is a lot to look at.
Dogs can be off lead on the railway path return and on the wider riverbank sections where livestock is absent, but lead up along the streets, through the castle grounds, and in any of the cattle-grazed water meadows (there is usually stock near Easby). The Swale has excellent shallow paddling spots below the castle and at Easby weir but the current can be quick after rain. Underfoot is firm riverside path, tarmac railway trail, cobbled lane and one steep flight of steps up to the castle. Pay and display parking in Richmond's Market Place or at Fosse car park, with dog friendly cafes and pubs throughout the town.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.1 km (3.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 55 min
- Walk Type
- River, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Public toilets and cafes in Richmond Market Place; dog friendly pubs in town; Easby Abbey free to visit.
- Parking
- Fosse car park (DL10 4BG) is closest to the river; pay and display in Market Place with free two-hour disc option from the town hall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond Castle and the River Swale Walk dog friendly?
Richmond Castle and the River Swale Walk scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a solid choice for a day out with your dog. The route combines riverside paths, a disused railway trail and a visit to the free-to-enter ruins of Easby Abbey, and Richmond town has plenty of dog friendly cafes and pubs to finish the day.
Can dogs be off lead at Richmond Castle and the River Swale Walk?
There are good stretches where dogs can run free, particularly on the old railway path return and on the wider riverbank sections where no livestock is present. You'll need to keep dogs on the lead along the town streets, through the castle grounds, and in the water meadows near Easby Abbey, which are typically grazed by cattle.
What should I know before visiting Richmond Castle and the River Swale Walk with my dog?
The River Swale offers some lovely shallow paddling spots below the castle and at Easby weir, but the current can run fast after rain so keep an eye on conditions. The route includes a steep flight of steps up to the castle and a mix of terrain including firm riverside path, tarmac, cobbled lane and grassy sections, so it's worth coming prepared with decent footwear. Parking is available at Fosse car park (DL10 4BG), which is the most convenient for the river, or in Richmond's Market Place where a free two-hour disc option is available from the town hall.
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