Route diagram, drawn from the recorded track — for the shape of the walk, not for navigation. Carry OS Explorer on the hill.
Two hundred acres of protected open parkland wrapping around the south of Harrogate town centre, kept open and unenclosed since the Great Award of 1778. Flat mown grass criss-crossed by tree-lined paths gives dogs freedom to roam off lead under control, with cherry blossom avenues in spring. No stock, no gates, and cafes at almost every edge.
Scandinavian cafe on Oxford Street famed for cinnamon buns, skillingsboller and open sandwiches. Dogs are welcome inside and out during the daytime and staff make a genuine fuss of them; a civilised alternative to the town's no-dogs tearooms.
Four miles and about two hours from the top of the Valley Gardens out through Cardale Woods to the gritstone outcrop of Birk Crag, returning down the wooded ravine of Oak Beck, with roughly 100 metres of climbing on rooty woodland paths that hold mud through the winter. Start from the Harlow Carr end of Valley Gardens or the roadside parking on Cornwall Road; the 6 and 24 buses both put you within a few minutes' walk. The woods are the best off-lead ground within walking distance of Harrogate town centre and Oak Beck gives a clean drink, but the crag itself drops away suddenly, so call a dog back well before the top.
A micro-brewery and taproom on Kings Road pouring its own beer alongside Asian street food. The brewery states plainly that it is dog friendly, and dogs are as welcome inside the taproom as they are on the heated outdoor terrace, so the weather need not decide where you sit.
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