Best Local Dog Walks
From easy riverside strolls to open fell routes, there are excellent walks close to Kirkby Stephen. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and use a lead whenever required.
Dog-Friendly Guide to Kirkby Stephen
Walks, welcoming places, secure exercise and practical local help for guests travelling with dogs
Explore Kirkby Stephen with Your Dog
Kirkby Stephen and the surrounding Upper Eden Valley are well suited to holidays with dogs, with riverside walks, fell routes, dog-friendly places to eat, a secure exercise field and useful local services close at hand.
Dog-Friendly Holidays in the Upper Eden Valley
From Stenkrith Park and the River Eden to Smardale Gill and the open country around Nine Standards Rigg, there is a wide choice of walks close to town. Much of the landscape is working farmland, so responsible control around livestock is essential.
This guide brings together practical information for dog owners staying in Kirkby Stephen, including local walks, dog-friendly pubs and cafés, a secure dog park, attractions, veterinary care and grooming.
Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafés
These local venues are known for welcoming dogs in at least part of the premises. Policies can change, so check directly before visiting, especially if you plan to eat indoors.
Wellfield Secure Dog Park
Book exclusive use of a secure two-acre field on Appleby Road. It is a useful option for recall practice, energetic dogs or a safe off-lead run.
Address: Wellfield Farmhouse, Appleby Road, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4PE
Telephone: 07518 262389
What3Words: decorate.doghouse.spoon
Telephone: 07518 262389
What3Words: decorate.doghouse.spoon
Dog-Friendly Attractions
Dogs can join you at a good range of outdoor attractions and scenic day-trip destinations. Check current access rules, lead requirements and indoor restrictions before setting off.
Pendragon Vets
Independent veterinary practice in Kirkby Stephen offering appointments and its own 24-hour emergency service.
Address: Hamilton House, St Luke's Road, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4HT
Appointments & 24-hour emergency: 01768 371359
Appointments & 24-hour emergency: 01768 371359
Collar & Comb Dog Grooming
A local professional grooming service for visiting dogs in need of a tidy-up after muddy walks or a full grooming appointment.
Location: Hartley Fold, near Kirkby Stephen
Booking: Contact the groomer directly through its current Facebook page.
Booking: Contact the groomer directly through its current Facebook page.
Countryside Safety & Livestock
Much of the surrounding countryside is working farmland. Keep dogs on a short lead around sheep, cattle and nesting birds, close gates behind you and never allow a dog to chase livestock.
Use a short lead near livestock
Bag and remove waste
Check for ticks after walks
Carry water on longer routes
Respect seasonal restrictions
Never leave dogs in a hot car
Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in Kirkby Stephen
Two Muddy Boots Escapes properties welcome dogs and put you in central Kirkby Stephen with easy access to local walks and the surrounding countryside.
Muddy Boots – Scarpa
Dog-friendly self-catering accommodation in Kirkby Stephen with one dedicated parking space and easy access to walks around the Upper Eden Valley.
Explore Scarpa →Muddy Boots – Arcade Royale
Dog-friendly accommodation in central Kirkby Stephen, convenient for riverside walks, local pubs and exploring the surrounding countryside.
Explore Arcade Royale →
Travelling without pets? Muddy Boots – La Petite Mews is our exclusively pet-free property and does not accept pets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog-Friendly Kirkby Stephen
Is Kirkby Stephen good for a holiday with a dog?
Yes. Kirkby Stephen has access to riverside paths, local parks, fell walks and countryside routes, as well as dog-friendly places to eat and useful services including a secure dog exercise field and a local veterinary practice.
Where can I walk my dog near Kirkby Stephen?
Popular options in this guide include Stenkrith Park and the Poetry Path, River Eden walks, Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, Hartley and the old railway line, and Nine Standards Rigg.
Is there a secure dog field near Kirkby Stephen?
Yes. Wellfield Secure Dog Park on Appleby Road offers bookable exclusive use of a secure two-acre field, useful for energetic dogs, recall practice or controlled off-lead exercise.
Are there dog-friendly pubs and cafés in Kirkby Stephen?
Several local venues welcome dogs in at least part of their premises. Policies can change, so it is sensible to check directly with the venue before visiting, particularly if you plan to eat indoors.
What should I know about walking dogs around livestock?
Much of the surrounding countryside is working farmland. Keep dogs under effective control, use a short lead around livestock and nesting birds, follow local signage, close gates and never allow dogs to chase livestock.
Which Muddy Boots Escapes properties accept dogs?
Muddy Boots – Scarpa and Muddy Boots – Arcade Royale are dog-friendly. Muddy Boots – La Petite Mews is exclusively pet-free and does not accept pets.