Our Developments’ Best Dog Walking Routes

To celebrate National Walk Your Dog Month, we’re taking a look at the best dog walking routes our developments have to offer – and with 25% of Brits predicted to have made at least one new year’s resolution for 2025, with doing more exercise/getting fit the second most popular pledge, the timing couldn’t be better!

The good news for Thomas Alexander Homes’ residents is that all our developments are specifically located within easy reach of numerous areas of outstanding natural beauty and lots of green spaces, the vast majority of which are home to plenty of picturesque dog-walking routes!

One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways of getting more exercise, dog walking offers people a wide range of benefits, including:

• improving your cardiovascular fitness
• lowering your blood pressure
• strengthening your muscles and bones
• decreasing stress, and
• strengthening your bond with your dog!

Needless to say, taking your dog for regular walks is vitally important for their physical wellbeing too!

But with Yorkshire offering so many fabulous dog-walking options, where should you start? Read on to find out!

Swann Gate, Church Fenton

Residents at our Swann Gate development in Church Fenton don’t have to look far for a great dog walking option – the famous Church Fenton and Barkston Ash circular is right on their doorstep!

A challenging 16.7-kilometre trail, this walk takes approximately three and a half hours to complete and passes through charming villages and scenic countryside, providing a delightful experience – with plenty of places to stop and rest – for walkers and their four-legged friends.

Manor Gardens, Brafferton

If it’s a walk with a touch of drama and a lot of local history you’re after, we know a place – and it’s just up the road from Manor Gardens!

An excellent half-day walk from the market town of Helmsley that takes in a secluded valley, the historic Rievaulx Abbey and the 900-year old Helmsley Castle, this 10-kilometre route is ideal for an excursion with an energetic pooch.

In addition to the ruins (all of which you’re free to explore), this walk’s surplus of green spaces and plethora of cafes and tea shops make it a great option for a day out in the open air with your dog.

Hartley Vale, Burneston

Just a short drive away from our upcoming Hartley Vale development in Burneston is the River Ure & Nutwith Common trail.

Starting from the brewing town of Masham, this circa 10-kilometre route follows the banks of the River Ure and returns via Nutwith Common, a deciduous wood full of eye-catching colours and well-maintained footpaths. It’s a moderate walk, taking about three hours and 25 minutes, but the serene river views and close proximity to several dog-friendly pubs make this a walk everyone should try at least once!

Monks Court, Bagby

For walkers who prefer flat terrain, look no further than the Balk and Bagby trail!

Despite being approximately the same length as the other walks on this list, the Balk and Bagby trail is significantly more level, making it easier on any tired legs. Walkers can join the trail at Bagby, Balk or the nearby village of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe and enjoy a leisurely meander through some picturesque countryside views for a gentler experience.

All these dog walking routes offer a glimpse into the natural beauty and historical charm that surround our communities. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike in the Yorkshire countryside, our developments provide our residents – and their dogs – with easy access to a lifetime of adventures!