Wharfedale: Burnsall to Linton Falls
North Yorkshire
The Burnsall to Linton Falls walk is one of the most dog friendly outings in Wharfedale, following the River Wharfe on easy paths through water meadows and pastoral farmland. From the car park in Burnsall you cross the arched bridge and pick up the Dales Way riverbank path, continuing downstream past the village of Hebden and on to the tumbling Linton Falls weir, with the option of returning along the opposite bank via the villages of Thorpe and Linton.
This is a gentle walk with minimal climbing, but nearly all of it crosses grazed fields so dogs need to be on leads past sheep and around cattle, particularly in spring and early summer. Paths can be muddy after rain and stiles are frequent, so short-legged dogs may need a lift. Both Burnsall and the nearby village of Grassington offer plenty of facilities, with the Red Lion in Burnsall, the Fountaine Inn at Linton and cafés in Grassington all welcoming dogs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- River, Waterfall
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Red Lion pub and café in Burnsall, Fountaine Inn at Linton, toilets in Burnsall car park, plus full amenities in Grassington a short drive away.
- Parking
- Burnsall village car park on the B6160 (BD23 6BP) is pay and display with honesty box overflow parking on the east bank in summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wharfedale: Burnsall to Linton Falls dog friendly?
This walk earns a solid 8/10 for dog friendliness, and it's easy to see why — the route follows the River Wharfe on easy, largely flat paths through some of the prettiest scenery in Wharfedale. Dogs are welcome at several of the pubs and cafés along the way too, including the Red Lion in Burnsall and the Fountaine Inn at Linton.
Can dogs be off lead at Wharfedale: Burnsall to Linton Falls with my dog?
Off-lead time is limited here, as nearly the entire route crosses grazed fields where sheep and cattle are present — so leads are essential for most of the walk, especially in spring and early summer. That said, the riverside paths offer a lovely setting for a relaxed on-lead stroll, and your dog will have plenty to sniff and explore along the way.
What should I know before visiting Wharfedale: Burnsall to Linton Falls with my dog?
The paths can get muddy after rain, and stiles are frequent along the route, so short-legged dogs may need a helping hand at points. It's worth knowing that Burnsall village car park (BD23 6BP) is pay and display, with honesty box overflow parking on the east bank in summer, and the village has toilets on site — handy for longer days out.
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