Everything you need to know about one of the best big-view walks within reach of York, and one of the easiest to get right with a dog. Sutton Bank sits on the western edge of the North York Moors, about forty-five minutes from the city, and it is famous for a reason. James Herriot reputedly called this "the finest view in England", and standing at the top of the escarpment on a clear day, you can see why. The clever part is that the walk along the top is genuinely easy, so you get an enormous payoff for very little effort.
Here is how to enjoy it with your dog.
The escarpment walk
The walk that most people do runs along the top of the escarpment, and the ground is level and well surfaced, so it suits dogs of most ages and fitness levels. To one side the land drops away into a huge sweep of the Vale of York and beyond; to the other you have the calm of the moorland. Because the views are constant rather than something you climb for, you can turn back whenever your dog has had enough and still feel you have had the full experience.
There is one important note. You are walking along the top of a steep, exposed drop, so keep dogs on the lead or under very close control along the cliff edge, especially excitable ones and anything with a strong prey drive. It is a place to enjoy the view, not to let a dog charge about near the edge.
Good for: Easy walking, massive views and dogs of all ages, on the lead near the edge.
The Kilburn White Horse
From the escarpment you can walk on towards the Kilburn White Horse, the giant hill figure cut into the slope below Roulston Scar. It is the most northerly chalk-style hill figure in England, first cut in 1857, and it is huge, more than 300 feet long, so big that it is best appreciated from a distance rather than up close. There is a steep set of steps down beside it if you want a closer look, but plenty of people are happy to admire it from the top and carry on.
Good for: A memorable landmark to aim for on the walk.
Getting there and facilities
The Sutton Bank National Park Centre sits right by the start of the walk, with parking, toilets and a café, which makes the whole thing very manageable with a dog in tow. It is a National Park visitor hub, so it is well set up and easy to find off the A170.
Worth knowing: The top of Sutton Bank is exposed to the weather. It can be windy and noticeably cooler than in York even on a mild day, and there is little shade in summer. Dress for it, take water for your dog, and pick a clear day so you actually get the view you came for.
Making the most of it
- Go on a clear day. The whole point here is the view, so it is worth waiting for good visibility.
- Keep the lead on near the edge and around the gliding club's field, where signs ask you to.
- Take water and a bowl. The café is handy, but there is not much along the path itself.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sutton Bank walk suitable for dogs?
Yes. The main escarpment path is level and easy, which suits most dogs, but keep them on the lead or very close along the steep, exposed edge.
Can you walk to the Kilburn White Horse from Sutton Bank?
Yes, you can follow the escarpment towards the White Horse. It is enormous and best seen from a distance, with a steep set of steps if you want a closer look.
Are there facilities at Sutton Bank?
There is a National Park Centre with parking, toilets and a café right by the start of the walk, which makes a day out with a dog straightforward.
How far is Sutton Bank from York?
Around forty-five minutes by car, which makes it an easy half-day trip with big rewards for the effort.
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