Dogs on the Cleveland Hike
Our code of conduct for safe and happy hiking hounds
The North Yorks Moors is a wonderful place for walking with your dog. It is also
home to people, livestock and fantastic wildlife, including important populations of
ground-nesting birds. Please read this code carefully and help us ensure that The
Cleveland Hike, and dogs and their owners, all remain welcome visitors in this
landscape.
More information can be found via the links at the bottom of the page.
Deciding whether to bring your dog
- Please consider whether your dog is fit enough to complete the Hike and cope
with any extremes of weather that may occur.
- Remember that you will need to carry extra food, water and kit for your dog.
- Remember that you will need to pick up and carry your dog’s poo, maybe for
many miles.
- Consider who will look after your dog if needs to drop out.
On the Hike
- It is Hike policy that dogs must be on leads at all times.
- When crossing open moorland, keep dogs on a short lead (under 2m) and
stay on the line of the path. This is for the protection of ground-nesting birds
which are protected by law.
- Keep your dog on a short lead near any livestock. A farmer can legally shoot
a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock. However, if cattle or horses
become aggressive, it is safer to let your dog off the lead.
- Keep your dog on a short lead near horse-riders or cyclists.
- Pick up your dog’s poo and carry it to the next available dog bin. This is to
protect people, crops, livestock and wildlife from infection.
- Always look out for local signs giving advice on keeping your dog on a lead at
sensitive times for wildlife and farm animals.
https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/things-to-do/walking/walking-with-dogs
The Countryside Code: advice for countryside visitors - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Kennel Club The Countryside Code | Campaigns | The Kennel Club
https://www.wildlifebcn.org/news/ground-nesting-birds-dogs-leads