Best Dog Walks in Scarborough
One of the greatest pleasures of staying at The Boat House is stepping straight into some of the most beautiful coastal walking country in Yorkshire. From dramatic cliff-top paths and hidden coves to expansive beaches and peaceful woodland trails, Scarborough is wonderfully suited to adventures with four-legged companions.
Whether your dog prefers bounding across wide open sands, sniffing through woodland tracks or strolling beside the sea before settling into a cosy pub afterwards, there is no shortage of spectacular walks to discover along this stretch of coastline.
Gatsby loves the beach, here he is with Dottie in the sea, whom we sadly lost recently, she loved swimming, with Pommy as we call him chasing around barking, now he is blind, getting excited listening to her splashing on the shoreline.
North Bay & Marine Drive
For many guests, the perfect walk begins right outside the door.
North Bay offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than Scarborough’s bustling South Bay, with long stretches of sand, dramatic sea views and the castle headland rising above the coastline. Continue along Marine Drive and you can walk all the way beneath the cliffs connecting North and South Bay, with waves crashing dramatically beside you on rough-weather days.
It is one of those walks where you often intend to head out for half an hour and somehow return several hours later after losing yourself in the rhythm of the sea and coastline.
Afterwards, stop for coffee at Me'N'U'Cafe or lunch beside the sea at The Look Out on The Pier.
There is a dog beach ban that starts 1st May to 30th September, where there are areas on both beaches that are restricted. These are clearly marked.
Cayton Bay
A personal favourite of ours, Cayton Bay feels wonderfully wild and untouched compared with some of the busier beaches nearby.
This dramatic sweeping cove remains dog friendly year-round and offers miles of sand, rugged cliffs and sea air in abundance. Dogs who love open space and freedom absolutely thrive here.
The steep path down only adds to the sense that you are discovering somewhere slightly hidden from the world above. There is very little here beyond the beach, waves and cliffs — which is exactly part of its charm.
After your walk, The Salty Dog makes a lovely coastal stop for coffee and cake nearby.
Cloughton & Hayburn Wyke
If you only do one longer coastal walk during your stay, make it Hayburn Wyke.
This spectacular route combines dramatic Cleveland Way cliff paths with peaceful woodland trails leading down towards a hidden rocky cove complete with its own waterfall tumbling directly onto the beach. It feels almost cinematic in places.
The mixture of sea views, forest tracks and rugged coastline makes this one of the Yorkshire coast’s most memorable dog walks, especially for energetic dogs who enjoy varied terrain and plenty of adventure.
Do also stop in for a refreshing drink at the lovely pub there too! Great food, fabulous beer garden and a place we love to drive out to even if we don't do the walk!
Throxenby Mere and Raincliffe Woods
Having lived in Raincliffe Woods, in a house there, not the woods themselves, we were privileged to enjoy some stunning walks. The usual morning run would be down Low Road to The Mere which is a lovely lake which Dottie loves to jump into, following the ducks and geese there. Raincliffe woods offer many gorgeous walks, an abundance of birds with look out posts in the pull ins to admire the many species and a lovely boardwalk with the dogs that lead to the Ayton Castle ruins that are stunning. Take in the gorgeous aroma of wild garlic that is prevalent during the spring and early summer months.
Scarborough Castle Headland
The walk around Scarborough Castle is perfect when you want dramatic scenery without venturing too far.
Perched high above both bays, the castle headland offers panoramic sea views, open grassy areas and endless salty air. On stormy days especially, the atmosphere here can feel wonderfully dramatic as waves crash against the cliffs far below.
Many guests find themselves returning here repeatedly during their stay simply to sit quietly with a coffee and watch the changing coastline.
Peasholm Park to North Bay Railway
For gentler walks, Peasholm Park offers beautifully landscaped gardens, winding paths and peaceful lakeside strolls just moments from the coast.
From here you can continue towards the dog-friendly Scarborough North Bay Railway, where miniature steam trains rumble gently along the seafront towards Scalby Mills. It is one of Scarborough’s most nostalgic little experiences and dogs are welcome to travel alongside you.
This route works particularly well for slower mornings or older dogs who still enjoy being part of the adventure without tackling longer cliff paths.
Broxa Forest & Woodland Walks
Beyond the coastline, Scarborough is also surrounded by beautiful woodland and moorland walks.
Broxa Forest offers peaceful shaded trails through towering pine forests, especially lovely during warmer summer days when the coast becomes busier. Nearby woodland routes around Forge Valley and Raincliffe Woods provide quieter alternatives for nervous dogs or those who prefer calmer surroundings.
The scent trails alone will keep most dogs happily occupied for hours.
Cleveland Way Coastal Paths
The Cleveland Way stretches along some of the most dramatic coastline in England, and Scarborough provides the perfect base from which to explore sections of it.
Head north towards Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay for spectacular clifftop scenery and endless sea views, or south towards Filey and Bempton for gentler coastal stretches. The paths can be wonderfully wild in winter and breathtakingly beautiful during golden summer evenings. Hop on a boat ride to see the cliffs - a trip you will all enjoy.
Dog-Friendly Coastal Stops
Do hop over to our blog about Dog Friendly favourite stops on the way - you will be sure to find plenty in Scarborough, in fact an abundance, but these are our favourites.
A Slower Rhythm by the Sea
One of the loveliest things about walking in Scarborough is that it never really feels rushed. The coastline has a way of slowing people down. Guests often arrive with busy plans and long itineraries, only to find themselves wandering for hours beside the sea, stopping for coffee, watching the waves and letting their dogs lead the pace for once.
That slower rhythm is very much part of what makes staying at The Boat House and Shipmates so special