This month is ‘walk your dog month’ so what better way to blow away those lockdown cobwebs in the fresh air around Harrogate!
By Clementine Hall
This month is ‘walk your dog month’ so what better way to celebrate than pulling on your welly boots, wrapping up warm and blowing away those lockdown cobwebs in the fresh air!
I know what you’re thinking, ‘oh great another walk’, but seriously, what else is there to do at the moment?
With great health benefits for you (and your dog), getting out and about is a great way to help dust off those January blues and kickstart your New Year's resolutions.
Here’s a few dog friendly walks in and around Harrogate to get you started:
1. Victorian Gardens of Pateley Bridge
Take a tour around Pateley Bridge and see some of the beautiful gardens and fabulous historic houses.
The town is bursting with industrial history so make sure to look out for the large houses and gardens that reflected the prosperity of the town and the fashionable styles of the 19th century.
[caption id="attachment_6018" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Image: nidderdaleaonb.org.uk[/caption]Length: 6km Time: 2-3 hours Difficulty: Moderate
2. Swinsty Reservoir
Swinsty Reservoir, nestled in the picturesque Washburn Valley is a lovely walk that the whole family can join you on.
It has numerous car parks and a flat gravel path which wraps around the entire reservoir.
The walk provides breath-taking views across the water and the surrounding landscape, with various rest points dotted around the walk to take them in.
[caption id="attachment_6016" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image: www.gps-routes.co.uk[/caption]Length: Roughly 3 miles Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy
3. Fewston Reservoir
If Swinsty isn’t long enough for you and you’d like a bit more of a challenge you can try it’s neighbouring reservoir, Fewston. Encircling the beautiful Fewston reservoir, crossing over Fewston embankment you are spoilt for choice with spectacular views of both reservoirs.
You can also extend your walk by exploring nearby routes including Fewston and Timble ings. The route is mostly flat with some short sections of path with fairly steep gradient and rockier terrain.
[caption id="attachment_6014" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Image: http://myyorkshiredales.co.uk/[/caption]Length: 4 miles Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate
4. Grimwith
Lying within the confines of the reservoir boundary wall, Grimwith reservoir provides stunning views of the adjacent moors, the Valley and the lower Yorkshire Dales. This trail provides a circular walk with mostly wide, well surfaced paths.
At the right time of year, a selection of wildlife can be seen in certain marked areas where dogs must be on leads.
If you’re a budding wildlife photographer, this one is for you!
[caption id="attachment_6015" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image: theoutdoorguide.co.uk[/caption]Length: 5 miles Time: 2.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate
5. Thruscross Reservoir
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, this scenic, circular path which wraps around the largest of Washburndale’s reservoirs will take you through contrasting woodland and moorland scenery across a variety of terrain. Come at the right time of year and the woodland floor will be decorated with bluebells surrounded by the tranquil waters.
[caption id="attachment_6017" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: where2walk.co.uk[/caption]Length: 5 miles Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Fairly difficult
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