To find dog-friendly walks in Whitby is easy because thanks to this seaside town’s location and history you are not going to have to look far and there are some of the best dog-friendly pubs in Whitby and its surrounds along almost every route.
Find Good Places to Walk Dogs in Whitby
For a staycation that includes your trusted friend head for this iconic town that forms part of the Jurassic coast and is backed by the spectacular North York Moors. If you are looking for the best places to walk a dog for contrast and challenge, then this is where you should be on your next break. Below we have a number of different walks, but plenty of them involve dog friendly beaches in Whitby.
The Best Whitby Walks with Dogs
1. Goathland’s Waterfalls
You can start your stay in Whitby by going slightly off-piste with your pooch on this three-mile circular route around Goathland. The Mallyan Spout and Beck Hole are waterfalls with the wow factor. The route will find you and your waggytail taking a woodland wander, through quaint villages and ending at these spectacular feats of Nature.
2. Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay
This is a relatively long trek, well worth it because it is one of the best dog walks from Whitby. but This seven-mile coastal challenge will take you to a bay where time has stood still. As scenic as the route maybe just check the tides before starting out. You and your four-legged friend will be welcome on the regular bus service that will take you back to Whitby.
3. Whitby Abbey
It is an easy to moderate five-mile hike that will suit those scamps who are stair-crazy, 199 to be exact. This clifftop route will take you past Saltwick Bay and includes the iconic steps up to Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The abbey is dog-friendly, and you and your buddy can get your breath back and enjoy the view.
4. Whitby to Sandsend
The beach is the best place for your best friend and you to blow away the cobwebs in the bracing sea air. It is only 3.5 miles along the shoreline with no cliffs or steps to climb. Check the tide table because part of the walk is inaccessible at high tide. Also, in the high season, from May to September pooches are not permitted.
5. Staithes and Port Mulgrave
If you are in the area then a visit to Staithes, a village that has inspired artists for centuries, is a must. After exploring this magical fishing port take the four-mile walk to Port Mulgrave with Mutley. There is a section of clifftop that is unfenced so keep your pet on a lead here.
The Best Woodland Walks in Whitby with Dogs
1. Hayburn Wyke
This is a route that was made for picnics and pooches and involves a day of exploring. It is a 4.5-mile combination of woodland and coast. Take the track near the Hayburn Wyke Inn and drop into woodland where you will emerge onto a pebble beach with a waterfall. It’s a secluded spot that you and your companion won’t want to leave.
2. May Beck and Falling Foss
It is only a two-mile circular woodland walk in the North York Moors, but you will be enchanted by the two stunning waterfalls at halfway point. Here your water baby can splash behind the cascading veils while you remove those boots and sink your aching feet into the crystal-clear water.
3. Esk Valley to Beck Hole
For this three-mile venture in the moors, along the tumbling tributary of the River Esk, along a discussed steam train track and into a magical world of woodland carpeted with bluebells. This route is best done in spring for the full effect but is stunning at any time of the year with a variety of terrains to keep your tyke occupied.
Best Coastal Dog Walks in Whitby
1. Flyingthorpe to Robin Hoods Bay
To clock up those paw miles and to give yourself a good workout this 10-mile trek along Cleveland Way has stunning views of Flyingsdales Moor to the west and to the east, Robin Hoods Bay. If you have done the well-known Whitby to Robin Hoods Bay walk, this route offers you and your pup a change of scenery.
2. Runswick Bay to Kettleness
If you and your four-legged friend have time on your hands then travel eight miles out of Whitby to the starting point of this scenic coastal hike at the old fishing village of Runswick Bay. The 5.4-mile hike takes in a bit of beach, clifftops and, if you are feeling energetic, a return journey along a disused railway track.
3. Ravenscar
It might only be three and a bit miles of cliff top walking, but it is worth every minute of the way thanks to its panoramic views of the coast. It forms part of the Cleveland Way route and with a 600ft drop down to sea level it is not for our faint-hearted furry friends.
National Park Walks
1. Lord Stones Country Park
This skyline walk will take you and Fido across a stretch of moors that drop away to the Cleveland Plain with views as far afield as Middlesbrough and Roseberry Topping. It is nearly an hour’s drive from Whitby, but it is worth it as it is a stark contrast to the coastal trails, giving you a real perspective of the vastness of the North York Moors.
2. Hermitage Walk
Catch the pet-friendly bus from Whitby to Little Beck and prepare yourself to be in for a treat. It is a three-mile ramble to Falling Foss and expects to see ancient woodland, a mysterious hermit’s cave built into a large rock, a 67ft waterfall and an enchanting tearoom at Falling Foss.
3. Robin Hoods Bay to Boggle Hole
Although this is a coastal walk it is still very much part of the North York Moors National Park due to its pre-historic significance. It is only a mile and a half along the coast and cliffs but put aside more time for a spot of fossil hunting, for Fido to frolic on the rocks and for you to refuel at Boggle Hole’s Quarter Deck café.
Looking for a mini break in Whitby?
Luxury Lodges
This coastal town has a fine selection of accommodation that you and Fido will love. It’s here for the luxury dog-friendly lodges in Whitby we recommend.
Last Word
If anyone is going to fall in love with Yorkshire immediately it has to be here. It is a section of the county where contrasts are at play from the heather and gorse moors, the dizzyingly high coastal cliffs, quaint fishing villages and the vast range of dog friendly accommodation in Whitby. You can carry on your adventure with lots of dog friendly walks in Yorkshire over on our main page where we cover the whole county.
There are also Whitby dog friendly hot tub cottage holidays if you want the added bonus of a jacuzzi.
Wherever you go you can be sure that your trail will have some pet friendly days out in Whitby and the surrounding areas to keep you entertained.