Roche Abbey and Maltby Low Common Circular
South Yorkshire
Roche Abbey, near Maltby in Rotherham, is a lead-only site for dogs, its early Gothic church transepts founded by Cistercian monks in 1147 and still standing almost to full height. The ruins later became a landscape feature within grounds designed by Capability Brown. This 3.7km circuit starts at the abbey's small free car park, takes in the ruins, then heads into Maltby Low Common, a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve of unimproved grassland known for its wildflowers and insect life, following the reserve's roughly two mile circular route out towards Maltby Far Common and back. The ground is flat and easy, though can be wet and muddy underfoot after rain, with almost no climbing.
This dog friendly outing keeps dogs on a lead throughout, since both English Heritage and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust ask for it: leads are welcome at the abbey, and the common's grassland is managed for wildflowers and insects that a loose dog could disturb. There is still plenty for a dog to enjoy on a lead, from the scent of old stonework and deep grass to a change of pace between historic ruins and open common. English Heritage flags trip hazards, uneven surfaces, deep water and falling masonry around the abbey, and steps at the ticket point and two further exits, so a dog on a short lead is safest there. There are no toilets or cafe at either site, and no dedicated water for dogs, so bring your own.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.7 km (2.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Heathland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- None on route; no toilets or cafe at either site.
- Parking
- Small free car park at Roche Abbey, off the A634 near Maltby (around 10 spaces).
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Roche Abbey and Maltby Low Common Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Green Farm Holiday Cottages - The Pig Sty
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £523 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roche Abbey and Maltby Low Common Circular dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on this 3.7km circular walk, which takes in the medieval ruins of Roche Abbey before heading into Maltby Low Common, a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve of wildflower grassland. It earns a 6/10 for dog friendliness — leads are required throughout, and there are no toilets, café or dedicated water points on route, so it's worth bearing that in mind before you set off.
Can dogs be off lead at Roche Abbey and Maltby Low Common Circular?
No — dogs must be kept on a lead for the entire walk. English Heritage requires leads within the abbey grounds, and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust asks the same on Maltby Low Common, where the unimproved grassland is carefully managed for wildflowers and insects that a loose dog could disturb. There's still plenty for a dog to enjoy on the lead, from the scent of ancient stonework to deep grass and open common.
What should I know before visiting Roche Abbey and Maltby Low Common Circular with my dog?
Pack water and a bowl, as there are no facilities at either site — no toilets, no café and no dedicated water for dogs. The ground is mostly flat and easy, though it can get wet and muddy after rain. Around the abbey itself, English Heritage flags some specific hazards including uneven surfaces, deep water, falling masonry and steps, so a short lead is particularly sensible there. Parking is free in the small car park at the abbey, off the A634 near Maltby.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Attraction0.1 mi awayRoche Abbey
South Yorkshire
Cistercian ruins in a dramatic limestone valley landscaped by Capability Brown, free, with enclosed shaded valley floor walking for your dog.
Attraction5.7 mi awayConisbrough Castle
South Yorkshire
A unique cylindrical keep standing 800 years above Doncaster, with a decent grassy bailey for your dog while you climb the tower.
Walk5.8 mi awayUlley Reservoir Country Park Circular
South Yorkshire
An easy, flat loop for dogs around a former Rotherham drinking water reservoir, with woodland edges, open fields and water views.
Walk7 mi awayRother Valley Country Park Circular
South Yorkshire
An easy lakeside loop through a family-friendly country park, with flat, well-surfaced paths and plenty of wildlife.
Walk7.1 mi awaySprotbrough Flash and Don Gorge Nature Reserve Walk
South Yorkshire
A lead walk for dogs beside a riverside and woodland reserve in the Don Gorge, where a lake formed by old mining subsidence draws birdlife.
Walk9.7 mi awayCreswell Crags Limestone Gorge and Robin Hood Way
South Yorkshire
A short but fascinating gorge walk past Ice Age caves with prehistoric cave art and a good visitor centre.