Dog-friendly walks in Thirsk

Flat 4.3-mile circular from Thirsk market place following Cod Beck north to South Kilvington, through Underwood Plantation and back through New Thirsk, with fine views to the Hambleton Hills. The quiet riverside and country paths make an easy dog walk, and the beck's shallows are popular for a paddle. Field sections cross grazing land, so keep dogs close where stock are out.

Five miles of fields, quiet roads and tracks out of Thirsk to South Kilvington and Kilvington Mill, returning over the Seven Bridges path beside Cod Beck; no stiles at all, six gates, and some genuinely muddy stretches after rain. Start from the pay and display car park on Marage Road, a mile from Thirsk station, with frequent buses from York taking about forty-five minutes. Cod Beck is the highlight for a dog - shallow, clean and easy to get in and out of, with a veteran oak on the bank - but the middle third crosses grazed pasture and the A19 crossings need a short lead.

Three and three quarter miles from the north-east edge of Thirsk up to South Kilvington and back, about an hour and a half on field-edge paths, an old green track and short lengths of lane. Park on Marage Road in Thirsk and walk out past the auction mart; Thirsk railway station sits a mile the other side of town at Carlton Miniott. There are stiles and kissing gates, the paths run beside arable and grazed fields in roughly equal measure, and Cod Beck comes close enough at the northern end for a drink.