Dog Walking at Skipton Castle Woods
Just a stone’s throw from Skipton town centre sits Skipton Castle, and just behind the Castle sits the beautiful Skipton Castle Woods. Managed by The Woodland Trust, this is a gorgeous dog walk suitable for all abilities, at all times of the year. We went along yesterday and had a brilliant time - the dogs absolutely loved it and were out for the count as soon as we got home.
Skipton Castle Woods is a beautiful ancient woodland located in Skipton, North Yorkshire, which is roughly a 35 minute drive from where we live.
To find it, use the following in the sat nav: Skipton Castle Woods, The Bailey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1AW. The woodland is situated close to Skipton town centre, making it easy to combine with other attractions like the castle, market, or Leeds-Liverpool Canal.
I parked at the Castle itself which was £3.50 - this covers you for the whole day and is the only option if you want to leave your car here. If not, there are several pay-and-display car parks in Skipton town, all within walking distance of the woods. As with most places in Skipton, parking can get busy during weekends and holidays, so arriving early is advisable.
From the Castle car park I turned out of the main entry / exit point and turned left. Here there is a small wrought iron gate which takes you into the woods on a marked footpath. It’s narrow, so blink and you miss it - you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled.
Skipton Castle Woods has loads of woodland paths and easy-to-follow trails, making it suitable for all abilities.The circular route takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace and stops. It wasn’t overly muddy yesterday but still a little slippy in places so boots or wellies are a good choice of footwear.
Key features of the walk include:
Springs Canal: A peaceful stretch along the canal with lovely views.
River Eller Beck: Winding through the woods, adding a serene backdrop.
Wildlife and Plantlife: Expect sightings of deer, birds, and all sorts of plants and shrubs!
I followed the path round from the entrance, dropping down to alongside the beck and eventually I popped out next to The Castle Pub (opposite the famous Skipton Pork Pie shop).
The woods are a perfect spot for dog walking. There are ample shaded areas which will keep dogs cool on warm days. There’s loads of access to fresh water (from the beck) for dogs to paddle in or drink. Also plentiful are open spaces for dogs to explore while staying safe. Side note: dog poo bins are available at the entrances and exits but not along the footpaths (that I saw).
About the Woodland Trust
Skipton Castle Woods is managed by the Woodland Trust - a conservation charity dedicated to preserving and restoring native woodlands across the UK. The Trust works to protect biodiversity, improve woodland access, and promote the enjoyment of nature. By visiting, you’re supporting efforts to maintain and enhance the woodland for future generations - which is a non-negotiable in my book!
Map showing the location of Skipton Castle and Skipton Castle Woods in relation to the town centre.
About Skipton Castle
Skipton Castle itself dates back over 900 years and offers a glimpse into England's history in this area. Visitors can explore areas like the Banqueting Hall, Kitchen, and Watch Tower while learning about the castle's role during the English Civil War and its architectural evolution. We didn’t go into the Castle itself, but if you do want to visit while you’re in the area, it is dog friendly (as long as your dog is on a lead).
I believe it’s open daily from 10am, and closes at 6pm, with an entry fee of £12.00 per adult. The website says booking online is recommended to guarantee your slot - there is more info here.
