Best Dog-Friendly Walks in Leeds
Exploring Leeds with your dog is a real treat, with plenty of scenic spots that are perfect for wagging tails and walking boots alike.
From peaceful reservoirs and leafy parks to canal-side strolls and hilltop views, Leeds has a fantastic mix of dog-friendly walks to enjoy. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite routes across the city, complete with handy details like parking, nearby dog-friendly pubs and cafés, and easy-to-read summaries so you know what to expect before setting off.
1. Eccup Reservoir
Location: Alwoodley, ~7 mi north of Leeds city centre, Leeds LS17 7PF (on‑street parking) and New Inn pub LS16 8AU nearby
What it’s like: A beautiful 5 mile circular walk around West Yorkshire’s largest body of water, framed by woodland and the reservoir, a Site of Special Scientific Interest with over 150 bird species and frequent red kite sightings. Flat, mostly paved paths, easy going but with some uneven bits. No on‑site toilets or cafés.
Dog-friendly refreshment: The New Inn pub on Eccup Lane, dog‑friendly with beer garden and pub grub after the walk.
Summary
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 5 miles (≈ 8 km) |
| Time | ~1.5–2 hours |
| Elevation | Minimal (mostly flat) |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 out of 5) |
2. Roundhay Park
Location: Mansion Lane, off Princes Avenue, LS8 2HH, ~3 mi NE of city centre
What it’s like: Vast 700-acre park with lakes, woodlands, formal gardens, playgrounds, and Tropical World (but not dog‑friendly inside). Great open space for walking and exploring.
Dog-friendly refreshment: The Lakeside Café (dogs only outdoors). Nearby countryside‑style pub: The Roundhay Fox cosy, seasonal British dishes, indoor warmth, beer garden, dog‑friendly.
Summary
| Metric | Details |
| Distance | ~3–4 miles (several loop options) |
| Time | ~1–1.5 hours |
| Elevation | Mostly flat |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 out of 5) |
3. Golden Acre Park
Location: Off A660 between Adel & Bramhope, car parks LS16 9YJ or café at Otley Rd, Bramhope LS16 8BQ
What it’s like: Landscaped park with lakes, gardens, picnic benches, wildfowl, and woodland. Dogs allowed on leads.
Dog-friendly refreshment: On‑site café with indoor and outdoor seating; dogs allowed inside.
Summary
| Metric | Details |
| Distance | ~2–3 miles (loops) |
| Time | ~45 minutes–1 hour |
| Elevation | Flat |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 out of 5) |
4. Leeds–Liverpool Canal (Inner Leeds section)
Location: From Leeds Dock (LS10 1JE) to Thwaite Watermill (LS10 1RP)
What it’s like: A scenic ~4 km (2.5 mile) riverside/towpath walk, urban yet green, historic (Royal Armouries, Victorian mills) turning into leafy canal path.
Dog-friendly refreshment:
The Railway Inn – a welcoming traditional pub with a cosy atmosphere, serving classic ales and hearty pub food. Dogs are welcome inside and out.
The Tiny Tea Room – a charming little canal-side stop for light bites, cakes, ice-creams and hot drinks. Dogs are welcome, with water bowls available outside.
Summary
| Metric | Details |
| Distance | ~2.5 miles (4 km) |
| Time | ~50–60 minutes |
| Elevation | Completely flat |
| Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 out of 5) |
5. Rawdon Billing
Location: Rawdon, West Yorkshire. Small hill, elevation approx 231 m
What it’s like: Short but rewarding circular walk (~2 miles) with varied terrain and panoramic views across Leeds, airport spotting, WWII remnants, quarry remains. Considered ideal for quick outings.
Dog-friendly refreshment: Nearby The Stone Trough cosy pub in Rawdon for traditional pub fare and drinks.
Summary
| Metric | Details |
| Distance | ~2 miles (~3.2 km) |
| Time | ~45 minutes |
| Elevation | Moderate climb (~231 m peak) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5) |
6. Post Hill, Pudsey
Location: Between Pudsey & Farnley; part of the nature trail on a 28 hectare hill of woodland/meadows
What it’s like: A favoured local beauty spot with up-and-down paths that open out into impressive west Leeds views – a nature trail rising above the surrounding landscape.
Dog-friendly refreshment: In nearby Farsley, Cafe Deli Margaux is a dog‑friendly café (cakes, lunch, award winning brunch); also The Beulah Bistro dog‑friendly pub on Tong Road, Farnley.
Summary
| Metric | Details |
| Distance | ~1.5–2 miles (~2.5–3 km) |
| Time | ~45–60 minutes |
| Elevation | Moderate (hill climb) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5) |
7. Meanwood Valley Trail
Location: Begins at Woodhouse Moor (statue of Henry Rowland Marsden, LS2) heading north through Meanwood, ending at Golden Acre Park (LS16) a waymarked 7-mile route What it’s like: A varied and scenic woodland and parkland trail running through urban and rural landscapes. Highlights include Woodhouse Ridge, Scotland Woods, Meanwood Park, and Breary Marsh nature reserve with its alder woodland and wooden walkways. Beautiful wildlife and historical features en route make it a real adventure for pups and people alike.
Dog-friendly refreshment: At the endpoint, Golden Acre Park Café welcomes dogs on the decking and has dog bowls available. Inside Golden Acre, you’ll find light meals, cakes, and hot drinks.
Summary
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~7 miles (11 km) |
| Time | ~2½–3 hours |
| Elevation | Moderate in spots |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 out of 5) |
8. Middleton Park
Location: Middleton, South Leeds LS10 3LG.
What it’s like: A vast 630-acre park with ancient woodland (≈ 200 acres), a serene lake, open fields, and access to the historic Middleton Railway. It's a peaceful, varied landscape perfect for long walks, fetch games, and exploring by leash or off-leash where permitted.
Dog-friendly refreshment: The on-site Middleton Park café (adjacent to visitor facilities) offers indoor seating and outdoor space, dogs typically welcome outside. They serve light meals, sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks.
Summary
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3–4 miles (~5–6 km) |
| Time | ~1–1.5 hours |
| Elevation | Mostly flat |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5) |
9. Otley Chevin Forest Park
Location: East Chevin Road, Otley LS21 3DD
What it’s like: A dramatic woodland and ridge walk with breath-taking views over the Wharfe Valley. Trails vary from gentle woodland strolls to steeper climbs along rocky paths. Popular with dog walkers for its space and variety.
Dog-friendly refreshment: The Royalty Pub, perched on top of the Chevin, is dog-friendly with indoor and outdoor seating, offering hearty meals and local ales, perfect for a post-walk rest.
Summary
| Metric | Details |
| Distance | 2–5 miles (loop options) |
| Time | 1–2 hours |
| Elevation | Steep in places |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 out of 5) |
10. Kirkstall Abbey & Surrounding Riverside
Location: Kirkstall area, near Abbey Road, Leeds LS5 3EH.
What it’s like: A scenic walk around the picturesque ruins of Kirkstall Abbey alongside the River Aire. Paths are accessible and historic, with urban-river views. A popular stroll for city-dogs and nature lovers alike.
Dog-friendly refreshment: Head to Kirkstall Bridge Inn with waterside seating, a beer garden, and dog bowls, a very pup-friendly pub choice.
Summary
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~2 miles (3 km) |
| Time | ~45–60 minutes |
| Elevation | Flat |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 out of 5) |
Final Thoughts
Eccup Reservoir - Rich in birdlife and wide-open views, end with a pub treat.
Roundhay Park - Huge, varied, and perfect for families and sniffers.
Golden Acre Park - Gardens, lakes, and café convenience.
Leeds–Liverpool Canal - Urban canal charm with cosy refreshments.
Rawdon Billing - Compact climb with epic skyline views.
Post Hill, Pudsey - Woodland hilltop nature with nearby café and pub.
Meanwood Valley Trail - Majestic long-distance woodland trail connecting parks and marshes.
Middleton Park - Loads of space, woodland, a lake, and historical railway features.
Otley Chevin - Woodland and ridge walks with panoramic valley views and a dog-friendly pub stop.
Kirkstall Abbey walk - Historic riverside stroll with excellent pub options.
Each walk brings a different flavour, urban trails, garden parklands, woodland routes, and countryside escapes. Whether your pup enjoys fetch sessions, peaceful lakesides, or history-steeped abbeys, Leeds has a wag-worthy walk for every mood.