Dog-friendly walks in Skipton

Five flat miles of towpath from Skipton to Gargrave along the lock-free summit level of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, about two hours each way, on a firm surfaced path that stays walkable when the fells are under water. Start at Skipton canal basin off Coach Street and finish at Gargrave, where the hourly 580 bus and the Leeds-Morecambe train will both get you back to Skipton so you need not walk it twice. There is not a single stile on the whole route and no livestock on the towpath, which makes it the obvious choice for a big dog or an old one, but keep leads on: the water is deep with steep stone edging, cyclists come through fast, and moored boats have their own dogs aboard.

Ancient woodland gorge tucked behind Skipton Castle, managed by the Woodland Trust, with over two miles of paths, bridges and steps along Eller Beck where kingfishers and dippers hunt. Dogs on a lead are welcome at all times to protect plants and wildlife, and dog bins are provided at The Bailey entrance and Mill Bridge. Free to enter, minutes from the High Street.