In the East Riding of Yorkshire and just three and a half miles away from the centre of Hull is Cottingham. This large village boasts two Victorian high streets and a very large population given its status as a village. In fact, it is one of the several communities that claim to be the largest village in England. The area takes its name from “Cotta”, an Anglo-Saxon tribal leader, and the area is rich with beautiful countryside and a wealth of history.
If you’ve already exhausted our favourite dog walks in Yorkshire, it might be time to start picking up some of the hidden gems and local walks like these thirteen dog walks in Cottingham and the surrounding area. Many of these routes are great for anyone who is local to Hull, as Cottingham is less than half an hour’s drive away and some of these walks are quite close to the city itself.
Country & country park walks
Cottingham circular
This circular walk is a longer route that takes you through the heart of Cottingham and past some of the farms that fringe the village. The route map starts at Skidby Mill, but you can pick a starting point from any point on the walk. The pooch will love this walk as they can be off the lead extensively once you’re out of the village. Whereas the humans of the party will enjoy a relaxing countryside stroll, and the op-paw-tunity to pop into the pubs and local eateries in Cottingham, Skidby, or Willerby. If you’ve not got the legs for the full nine miles of the walk, you can shorten the route to just two.
You’ll pass Haltemprice Farm on this walk, and although the building is old, the stones are even more aged and date back several centuries. They were taken from the local priory following the dissolution of the monasteries and used to build the farm. As you could tell, you’ll also be able to admire Skidby mill before or after your walk along these quiet country lanes and farmer’s fields.
Walk Length: 14km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Skidby Mill
Terrain: Paths, trails, fields, uneven, slopes
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Beverley Road, Skidby, Cottingham, HU16 5TR
More information: East Riding.gov
North Cottingham
This route is another tried and tested tramp through the village and around the farms to the North. In fact, you’ll pass three different farms on this quiet route, which is ideal for a few hours of gentle rural strolling with the dog. You and the pooch will leave Cottingham, passing some halls of residence for the University of Hull, and head north through the fields as far as Model Farm on the edge of Beverley. This means you can stop by Beverley for a pit-stop halfway along your walk. Alternatively, you can make the most of the amenities in Cottingham before or after your walk.
There are a few kissing gates and hand gates on this route, but no stiles or steps, making it an easy route to take with the pooch, who will love the few hours freely roaming the fields. If you want to paw-se for refreshments you can stop by the Cross Keys on Northgate, which is both family and dog-friendly. Because you start and end the walk on this road, it’s the most convenient pit-stop. That being said, the other pubs in the village are only a short walk away, such as the King William IV.
Walk Length: 10km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Northgate
Terrain: Paths, trails, fields, uneven, slopes
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Northgate, Cottingham, HU16 4EH
More information: Haltemprice Area Walks, Cross Keys
Raywell house circular
This circular stroll is suitable for all ages and abilities. It is a few miles of tramping through the countryside, so if you’re bringing children make sure you have plenty of snacks and stamina. If it’s only you and the pooch, you’re sure to enjoy this serene walk in the countryside, with the option to stop off at Nut Wood, which is another of our favourite dog walks in Cottingham.
Simply park in the layby by the house then take the track up into the fields. You’ll have a lovely view of the handsome manor and after you’ve admired it for a moment, you’ll continue your walk to Wauldby Dam. This is a little lake where your pup might have a quick dip if you let them, or you’re not careful!
After your stop by the dam, the route moves into the dale, where you’ll find the haunting but beautiful Georgian mausoleum amidst the trees. The Raikes mausoleum was permanently closed after a skull was stolen (and recovered,) and it now lies silent and sealed. From here, take the track back East and you’ll return to the start. If you fancy some refreshments after your walk, you’ll have to drive back towards Cottingham and stop by The Star Inn.
Walk Length: 8km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Raywell House
Terrain: Trails, undulating, fields, woodland, uneven
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Riplingham Road, Raywell, Cottingham, HU16 5YL
More information: Hull Live
Woodmansey mile
This short walk from the leisure centre will be an on-lead affair for the pup, and the last half is through the residential area. However, you’ll have a good long walk along the flanks of the farmland and fields that border the town and through the snicket, going out towards Woodmansey.
Be aware, there are a few stiles to navigate on this route so your pup might have to be lifted over if they can’t squeeze through the gap. If you’re a local, it’s a good route to have in the back of your head to make a change to any of your routine dog walks around the area. Not to mention, despite the name, this is actually a 3.5 mile stroll, so a long enough walk to exercise even the more energetic breeds of people and pooch alike.
After the walk, you’ll have your pick of pet-friendly places to refresh yourself in Beverley, including the Potting Shed and Green Dragon. Both welcome dogs, offer great food, and a lovely atmosphere. Otherwise, you can also visit the nearby Vanessa Delicatessen & Cafe.
Walk Length: 5.6km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Beverley Leisure Centre
Terrain: Trails, flat, uneven, grass, paths
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Flemingate, Beverley, HU17 0LT
More information: Beverley Area Walks
Beverley Beaver trail
There are a few variations of this trail and we are including the longer circuit as our choice of dog walk. Devised by runners as a cross country running route, it’s sure to test the stamina of you and the pooch. If you’re feeling especially energetic, you could even try running it together.
This is another walk starting from the leisure centre before you and the pooch will follow a ten mile circular trek through the farmland and fields. It also includes a stretch that skirts the common of Beverley Westwood, which is another of our favourite dog walks in Cottingham, and you could take a detour for a wander in the woods. On your way back towards Beverley, you’ll be treated to a wonderful view of Beverley Minster.
As this is a long walk over fields and woodland fringes, there’s plenty of op-paw-tunities to let the pup off the lead for a good run-around or to nose through the undergrowth. Please be aware you will cross a few roads and the railway line at some points of the route, so make sure you’re in a safe space before letting the dog off. There are stiles and gates along this walk, and the trails can be uneven, so be sure to wear good footwear. If you need some refreshment after your stroll, there are plenty of local establishments for a pit stop. These include The Green Dragon, The Woolpack, and The Potting Shed.
Walk Length: 16km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Beverley Leisure Centre
Terrain: Trails, flat, uneven, grass, paths
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Flemingate, Beverley, HU17 0LT
More information: Beverley Area Walks
Woodland walks
Millbeck wildlife area
With a mixed habitat of woodland and meadows, Millbeck Wildlife Area can feel much larger than it is when you’re wandering its many trails with the family or pooch. As the woodland and hedges open out into the meadows, it’s the paw-fect opportunity to let the dog off the lead (if you haven’t already) to give them the op-paw-tunity for a run around or enjoy a game of fetch.
Be aware that the wooded areas and the border of the meadows can get very wet, so make sure you’re in suitable footwear if it’s rained recently. In fact, it can have small “floods” where the puddles seem like mini marshes, paw-fect for splashing in. There’s also a shallow stream, which your pup will no doubt enjoy diving into and wallowing in on a warm day.
In summer when the leaves are out, the tree canopy almost entirely closes around the trails, bathing you in emerald light and giving a rare ethereal quality to these quiet tracks. It’s usually firm and even underfoot but the trails are not surfaced so it’s not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Despite how close it is to the village, Millbeck is surprisingly serene and empty of walkers. What it isn’t lacking, is wildlife. Particularly squirrels. So be vigilant if your dog has a high prey drive. The closest place for facilities and refreshments would be the Cross Keys pub.
Walk Length: 2.6km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Millbrook Wildlife Area
Terrain: Trails, fields, uneven, woodland
Free Parking: Yes
Address: 76 Mill Beck Lane, Cottingham, HU16 4EU
More information: Map location
Dene woodland
This small woodland is a wonderful spot for dog walks in Cottingham, and a pup-ular spot for dogs and their owners who enjoy ambling around amidst the trees. Although small, you can easily while away an hour or two wandering through this hidden gem of a wood, which is ideally located for locals to hide away from everyday life and feel closer to nature.
Depending on the time of year you’ll be treated to a variety of floral displays, particularly in spring as bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils bloom. Not long after the flowers come alive, so too does the local wildlife, and this is a prime spot to find ducks with their ducklings paddling about in the ponds. Your dog too might decide to take a dip, so bear that in mind when you walk here! If your pooch has a high prey drive or poor recall, perhaps keep them on the lead because the small wood is bounded by roads.
Otherwise, this well-maintained woodland is paw-fect for a tranquil stroll with the pooch or the family. The trails are well maintained, and the dense canopy makes the woodland feel larger and thicker than it is. The Fair Maid pub is a moment’s walk away, but all the local pubs are within a short stroll, including the dog-friendly King William IV.
Walk Length: 1.2km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Dene Road
Terrain: Trails, fields, uneven, woodland
Free Parking: Yes
Address: 12 Dene Road, Cottingham, HU16 5PJ
More information: Dog Pubs, Map location
Nut wood & Wauldby Scrogs
Starting from the same place as the Raywell House walk, this route instead takes you through the wilder landscape of Nut Wood and Wauldby Scrogs. The woods here are known locally as the bluebell wood thanks to the magnificent floral displays that cover the ground each spring.
Walking in the enchanting woodland still feels quite open, given how well-spaced the trees are, meaning your pup will still have plenty of room to run around and stay in sight. It also has a magnificent secluded atmosphere. Although your pooch probably isn’t one for ambience, they will enjoy roaming off the lead and following their nose between the trees. If your dog loves chasing small furries, be aware that there are plenty of squirrels about. You’ll usually find them out foraging for the hazelnuts that give this wood it’s name.
There are no facilities here, it is a walk in the woods at its simplest. But you can take the short drive back to Cottingham or Willerby to visit any of the number of pubs there including the previously mentioned Star Inn or King William IV.
Walk Length: 3.2km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Raywell House
Terrain: Trails, flat, uneven, woodland
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Riplingham Road, Raywell, Cottingham, HU16 5YL
More information: Woodland Trust, Haltemprice Area Walks
Beverley westwood
This is another walk starting in Beverley and possibly our favourite out of all the wonderful walks on this list. For the dog’s enjoyment, there is lots of open space on the common for long runs off the lead. Meanwhile, we humans will love the beautiful views of Beverley minster. Once in the Westwood you’re treated to typical English woodland with lush greenery, dappled sunlight, and platoons of wildflowers assembled between the trees. You could spend hours walking freely here amongst the many trails or simply ambling through the pastures. Alternatively, you can follow this route around the perimeter of the wood.
The trails are flat and easy to follow and there are benches every now and then so you can paw-se for a rest or simply to admire the beautiful surroundings. You’ll then emerge back onto the common and cross the rolling meadows to return to town. Please be aware that some areas of the common will have cattle grazing, so pop your pup on the lead if you come across any livestock. Once you’re back in Beverley, head to the dog-friendly Vanessa Delicatessen & Cafe. Starbucks by the minster usually allows dogs inside too, but also has outdoor seating. You could also pop by any of the pubs we have previously mentioned.
Walk Length: 6.5km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Beverley racecourse
Terrain: Trails, flat, uneven, woodland
Free Parking: Yes
Address: York Road, Beverley, HU17 8QZ
More information: Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, Andrews Walks, Yorkshire Post
Humber bridge country park
Fifteen minutes drive south from Cottingham you’ll find the glorious Humber Bridge Country Park, which is one of the most pup-ular dog walking spots in the area. It’s a well-maintained park with dozens of tracks and trails through the open meadows and woodland. Runners meet up regularly for park runs on Sundays, but at other times, it’s most frequented by dog walkers. Your pooch can enjoy hours of wandering freely and exploring the different habitats of this nature reserve as dogs can be off-lead throughout the entire park. Paw-haps they’ll meet some new furry friends. In fact, apart from other dog walkers, this park is usually very peaceful and you’ll often find you won’t pass many other people.
There are four different trails, including a sculpture trail, and you could combine all of the routes if you wanted to spend the day out roaming with the pooch. There are plenty of benches and picnic spots to paw-se for a rest, as well as other facilities which include a restaurant and pub onsite. You can take a pit-stop there and enjoy some refreshments from their tables overlooking the estuary. If you fancy visiting the estuary foreshore, you can access it from the park too.
Walk Length: 3km (Various)
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Humber Bridge Country Park
Terrain: Trails, flat, slopes, steps, uneven, woodland, meadows
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Ferriby Road, Hessle, HU13 0HB
More information: Humber Bridge Country Park PDF, Humber Bridge Nature Reserve, East Riding Coast and Countryside
Bridgehead business park (Art trail)
Heading to a business park may be the last place you thought of going for a dog walk, but here at Bridgehead, the local community have created an art trail in the woods that circles the business park. The area still feels like a hidden world and well-kept secret, despite its popularity with residents and visitors. The artwork is often created by local schoolchildren and adds lots of points of interest and flashes of colour throughout this short walk between the trees. So while the pup enjoys wandering in the woods, you can try to spot all the different installations.
The woodland here is an oasis for those working in the business park, who often leave the confines of the office to enjoy the short walk on their lunch breaks. It is also a great spot for families, who bring the dogs to stretch their legs and the kids to hunt for sculptures, build dens, and watch the wildlife.
This walk is close to the Humber Bridge Country Park listed above, so you could traipse over to the park to continue your paw-some walking adventure, or to stop by their cafe. There’s also a Brewers Fayre nearby, but the pup won’t be allowed in this one. (Always call to check though!)
Walk Length: 1km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Bridgehead Business Park
Terrain: Trails, flat, even, woodland
Free Parking: Yes
Address: 408 Boothferry Road, Hessle, HU13 0LN
More information: Hull Live
Waterside walks
River Hull
Head north into Beverley and you and the pooch can enjoy a stroll along the River Hull. You and the pup will take a long waterside walk along flat footpaths for a few miles North to Ticketon. The walk starts at the Beck, a calm canal, which you will follow until it joins the river at the lovingly restored locks and pumphouse. Walking along the Beck itself makes for a mile or two of ambling along the tranquil waterway, flanked by pretty woodland, which you could enjoy as a single dog walk in itself. For the full route, once you reach the river Hull, you simply follow it as it meanders to Tickton. Once you reach the village, you could easily extend your walk and continue strolling along the river as there are paths on both banks. Otherwise, simply turn here and walk back to Beverley.
As the route begins in Beverley, you can easily catch the train from the local station if you can’t drive. Additionally, you can make the most of other local amenities. There’s no shortage of pubs here, and the Woolpack, Green Dragon, and Potting Shed are all dog-friendly.
Walk Length: 8km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Beverley Beck
Terrain: Paths, flat, even
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Waterside Rd, Beverley, HU17 0ST
More information: GPS Routes River Hull, GPS Routes Beverley Beck
Hessle foreshore
Again, this is a little outside Cottingham, but with such a dramatic location less than half an hour’s drive away, we couldn’t fail to include a walk along the Humber in our favourite dog walks in Cottingham. If you and the pup wanted to make a paw-some day out of exploring the area together, you can spend some time in the Humber Bridge Country Park before accessing the foreshore from the park and continuing onto this walk. We suggest starting from the park so you can make use of the parking and facilities there, as there aren’t many more along this route.
There are a few different walks you could take along the estuary, but this route will take you along the shore and into Hull. In town, you can catch the train back to Hessle or choose to walk back the way you came if you have enough time and stamina.
There’s plenty to see on this walk, even if it’s only to watch the mighty water rolling by. You can watch birds feed on the mudflats, and various ships sail by. The landscape is dominated by the magnificent Humber Bridge which we think is the British Golden Gate Bridge. If you fancy a shorter walk, there is a small 1km loop you can take instead which will still give you and the pooch a chance to admire the estuary in all its glory.
Walk Length: 10.5km
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Humber Bridge Country Park
Terrain: Paths, flat, even
Free Parking: Yes
Address: Ferriby Road, Hessle, HU13 0HB
More information: GPS Routes, Think Adventure