Dog-friendly walks in Bedale

Easy 3.1-mile beckside circular from Bedale market place along tree-lined waterside footpaths, passing the curious eighteenth-century harbour, a canal basin complete with mooring rings from Bedale's abandoned waterway scheme, plus a small waterfall and the Georgian leech house. Level going that suits all dogs, finishing among the town's cobbles where the Green Dragon keeps gravy bones. Watch for wildfowl on the beck.

Four and a quarter miles of flat field paths, farm track and short lane sections between Bedale market place and Crakehall, allowing a shade under two hours; the going is easy but the field edges hold water for days after rain and there are up to six stiles. Start from Bedale market place, where there is parking, or arrive at Bedale station on the Wensleydale Railway a few minutes away on foot. Much of the route crosses working pasture with sheep and cattle so lead work is needed through the stock fields, the stiles are the awkward step type a heavy dog will need lifting over, and Bedale Beck and Rand Beck both give a drink.