If your dog loves water, or you just want a flat, easy walk that is kind on older legs, Yorkshire's rivers and canals are hard to beat. Towpaths are level and well surfaced, there is always wildlife to watch, and a gentle waterside stroll suits everyone from bouncy puppies to greying old-timers. Here is a dog lover's guide to some of the best riverside and canal walks in the county, along with the water-safety bits that really matter.
Why waterside walks suit dogs
Canal towpaths in particular were built flat for horses to haul boats, so they make superb dog walks. The ground is even and firm, the gradient barely changes, and there is a steady stream of ducks, herons and passing narrowboats to keep a curious dog interested. For dogs recovering from injury, older dogs with stiff joints, or puppies still building stamina, a mile of gentle towpath is often the perfect amount.
Rivers add a bit more variety, with open banks, weirs and the option of a paddle where it is safe, though rivers also need a touch more caution, which I will come to.
Canal walks worth the drive
- Pocklington Canal, out towards the eastern edge of York, is a restored, sleepy waterway running roughly nine and a half miles through gentle countryside and a run of old locks. It is quiet, wildlife-rich and completely flat, with the Canal and River Trust looking after the route. A lovely gentle stroll near York.
- Ripon Canal, up near Ripon, is a short, pretty stretch linking the city to the River Ure at Oxclose Lock. It has a well-kept towpath, a rural feel and plenty of birdlife, making an easy there-and-back walk.
- Leeds and Liverpool Canal is the big one, running 127 miles across the north with famous features like the Bingley Five Rise Locks and the historic mill village of Saltaire. You can join it for a short loop or a proper long haul, whatever your dog fancies.
Rivers closer to home
Right in York, the paths along the River Ouse give flat, straightforward walking through and out of the city, so you can combine a bit of sightseeing with a proper leg-stretch. Further afield, the rivers of the Dales and Moors offer wilder, more scenic bankside walks. Just remember that river conditions change far more than a canal does, so keep an eye on the flow.
Vet note: blue-green algae can appear on still and slow-moving fresh water, especially in warm weather, and it is dangerous, sometimes fatal, to dogs. If you see scummy, pea-soup or blue-green water, keep your dog well away and do not let them drink or paddle. If you think your dog has been exposed, contact your vet straight away.
Water safety in plain English
A few simple habits keep waterside walks safe and happy:
- Mind the edge. Canal banks can be steep and the water deeper than it looks. Keep bouncy or nose-down dogs on a lead near the edge and near locks.
- Know your dog's swimming. Not every dog is a natural swimmer, and cold, deep or fast water tires them quickly. Never assume they will be fine.
- Watch for currents and weirs. On rivers, avoid letting your dog swim near weirs, fast flow or after heavy rain.
- Rinse off afterwards. River and canal water is not clean, so a rinse at home reduces skin irritation, and always dry ears well to head off infections.
- Bring drinking water. So your dog is not tempted to drink from the canal or river, which can upset their stomach.
Make the most of it
Waterside walks are some of the easiest, most rewarding days out you can have with a dog in Yorkshire. Pick a flat towpath for a calm, gentle outing, or a river for a bit more adventure, pack water, poo bags and a towel, and keep half an eye on the water itself. Do that and you have a walk that suits practically any dog on almost any day.
Frequently asked questions
Are canal towpaths good for dog walking?
Yes. Towpaths are flat, even and firm, with plenty of wildlife, which makes them ideal for puppies, older dogs and any dog that prefers an easy, gentle walk.
Is it safe for my dog to swim in canals and rivers?
It can be, but take care. Watch for steep banks, cold or fast water, weirs and blue-green algae, and never assume your dog is a strong swimmer. When in doubt, keep them on a lead near the water.
What is blue-green algae and why is it dangerous?
Blue-green algae is a bacteria that can bloom on still fresh water in warm weather. It can be highly toxic, even fatal, to dogs, so keep your dog away from scummy or discoloured water and see a vet urgently if you suspect exposure.
Are there flat, easy dog walks near York?
Yes. The Pocklington Canal and the River Ouse paths in York both offer flat, level walking that suits older dogs, puppies and anyone wanting a relaxed stroll.
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