Route diagram, drawn from the recorded track — for the shape of the walk, not for navigation. Carry OS Explorer on the hill.
A rewarding town-and-river circuit beneath the great Norman keep of Richmond Castle, following the Swale past Richmond Falls and along the grassy riverside meadows of The Batts. Mostly enclosed riverside paths where dogs can stretch their legs, with the falls a favourite paddling spot in low water; keep dogs close near the weirs and when the river runs high. Dog-friendly pubs and the Station cafe are moments away.
The substantial ruins of a Premonstratensian abbey set in a bend of the Swale, reached by an easy mile-and-a-half riverside walk from Richmond Castle. English Heritage confirms that dogs on leads are welcome throughout the site, and admission is free. One of the most rewarding short walks in Richmondshire for anyone with a dog.
Mighty Norman fortress towering above the Swale, one of the oldest stone castles in England, now cared for by English Heritage. Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the grounds, and water bowls are set out near the entrance. The wall-top views over the river and town are superb, and the riverside Batts walk starts directly below.
A gentle two and a half miles of National Trust riverside woodland on both banks of the Swale, an hour and a quarter on well-made woodland paths with one steep pull up into Hudswell Woods that can be skipped. Start from the free Round Howe car park on the Reeth road a mile west of Richmond, with a footbridge straight over the river into Billy Bank Wood. The Trust asks for dogs on leads because cattle graze the open grassland in summer, but the shingle beaches below Round Howe are the best swimming on this stretch of the Swale and the shade makes it a sound choice on a hot day.
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