Swaledale: Muker to Keld via the Pennine Way

This is a well-loved dog-friendly circuit rated 8.5 out of 10, taking in some of the most scenic countryside in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Dogs are welcome throughout, though leads are required in certain areas to protect the famous wildflower hay meadows and grazing sheep — so it rewards a little forward planning depending on the time of year you visit.

Dogs must be kept on a lead through the Muker hay meadows between April and August, and on a lead at all times through the in-bye pasture where sheep graze year round. The higher section of the Pennine Way above Keld does allow off-lead walking if your dog has reliable recall, though sheep can still be encountered up there, so it's worth staying alert.

The route mixes flagged field paths, stony packhorse tracks and grassy moorland, and includes several stiles that some dogs will need to be lifted over — worth bearing in mind if you have a larger or less agile dog. The River Swale offers swimmable pools at East Gill Force and Kisdon Force, but currents can be strong after rain so take care. There's pay parking in both Muker (£5.60 per day) and at the smaller Keld car park, and Muker has a teashop, pub and village stores selling drinks and ice cream for post-walk refuelling.