Dog-friendly Sheriff Hutton

Homely village pub on The Square below the ruins of Sheriff Hutton Castle, known for homemade pies, well-kept real ale and generous Sunday lunches. Dogs are allowed in the small bar and the large beer garden only, so book ahead and mention the dog. The Foss Walk and the castle-field footpaths start on the doorstep.

Five miles of field path and green lane out of Sheriff Hutton, past the four broken towers of the fifteenth-century castle and the earlier Norman ringwork above the village, with fifty metres of ascent spread over two hours; a moderate rather than easy walk only because of the field gates and the mud. Park on the wide village street near the church and the castle field path leaves from the southern edge of the village; the number 21 bus from York serves Sheriff Hutton several times a day. The castle ruins themselves are fenced private land seen from the path rather than entered, the going is through working arable and pasture with livestock likely, and there are stiles a heavy dog will need lifting over; there is no reliable water, so carry some.

The big day out of this patch: nearly nine miles from Sheriff Hutton north-east into the woods and rolling farmland at the foot of the Howardian Hills, with 200 metres of ascent and around four hours on the move. Park in Sheriff Hutton village and take the castle field path out, returning by the Centenary Way; the 21 bus from York gets you there without a car if you start early. Sure footing is needed in places and there are stiles that will defeat a large dog on its own, the route crosses grazing land where cattle and sheep are common, and water is scarce between becks, so this one is for a fit dog with a good recall and a carried bowl.