Route diagram, drawn from the recorded track — for the shape of the walk, not for navigation. Carry OS Explorer on the hill.
Two and a third miles each way of dead-level towpath from the restored canal basin in Ripon down past Littlethorpe and three locks to Oxclose Lock, where the canal meets the River Ure, making a four-and-a-half-mile round on firm ground that barely notices the weather. Start at Ripon Canal Basin off Bondgate Green, ten minutes from the Market Place and a short walk from the bus station; there is parking at the basin and a cafe at the marina. It is a green corridor full of kingfishers and moorhens, and the flat surface is a gift for an old dog, but the water is deep and cold at the locks and the towpath is shared with cyclists, so keep dogs on the lead.
A street-food style cafe in Ripon Spa Gardens serving all-day breakfast and light bites among the bandstand and borders. It is properly set up for dogs, with its own dog menu, treats and water bowls, and tables outside on the grass.
A small independent cafe on Queen Street just off the market square, doing fresh, unfussy food and a hearty welcome. Visit Ripon lists it as dog friendly, so your dog can come in out of the rain with you.
An all-day bar and kitchen in a converted bank on Market Place South, serving coffee from breakfast through to cocktails at night. Visit Ripon lists it as dog friendly, and the deep sofas suit a dog that has already done its miles.
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