Staithes and Boulby Cliffs Circular
North Yorkshire
Staithes is a former fishing village of red pantiled cottages tucked into a steep sided valley on the North Yorkshire coast where dogs are kept close on the sheer, unfenced sections of Boulby Cliffs, and this 9.6km circuit follows the Cleveland Way south to Boulby Cliffs, at 203 metres the highest point on England's east coast. The path climbs out of Staithes past the harbour, crosses farmland above the cliffs, and passes close to Boulby's potash mine, the deepest in Europe, before dropping back through the hamlet of Dalehouse to the beck and returning to Staithes. The route climbs 227 metres in total on tarmac, forest track and coastal path, and from the clifftop the view stretches an estimated 33 miles along the coast on a clear day.
This is a dog friendly walk with long stretches of open clifftop where a dog with a good recall can range on the quieter sections, though the cliff edges are sheer and unfenced in places, so keep dogs close on the Cleveland Way itself. The route crosses working farmland above the village, where sheep and cattle can graze, so a lead is needed there. There's little water on the clifftop, so bring some for a thirsty dog on a warm day. Staithes has cafes and toilets, and the Fox and Hounds at Dalehouse serves food, though dogs are not allowed inside, only in its outdoor seating.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.6 km (6.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Cafes and toilets in Staithes; the Fox and Hounds at Dalehouse has outdoor seating but does not allow dogs inside.
- Parking
- Staithes top car park, pay and display.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Staithes and Boulby Cliffs Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Staithes and Boulby Cliffs Circular dog friendly?
Yes, this 9.6km clifftop circuit rates 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a solid choice for a day out with your dog on the North Yorkshire coast. The route has long stretches of open clifftop where dogs can enjoy the fresh air and views, and Staithes itself has cafes and public toilets for a post-walk break.
Can dogs be off lead at Staithes and Boulby Cliffs Circular?
Dogs with a reliable recall can enjoy some freedom on the quieter, open sections of the clifftop, but the cliff edges on the Cleveland Way are sheer and unfenced in places, so you'll want to keep them close there. The route also crosses working farmland above Staithes where sheep and cattle may be grazing, so leads are essential on those sections.
What should I know before visiting Staithes and Boulby Cliffs Circular with my dog?
There's very little water available on the clifftop, so bring plenty for your dog, especially on warmer days. The route climbs 227 metres in total over tarmac, forest track and coastal path, so it's a reasonably demanding outing for both of you. If you're planning a pub stop at the Fox and Hounds in the hamlet of Dalehouse along the way, note that dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area but not inside.
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What’s Nearby?
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