Access Land Dog Restrictions

In most moorland areas of the North York Moors National Park, landowners have used legal powers to restrict access with dogs.  In most of these restricted areas dogs are not allowed to leave public rights of way. There are also a few other areas with different restrictions e.g. dogs are allowed off rights of way but must be kept on a lead at all times, or where the restriction applies only at certain times of year.

You can see maps and details of access land dog restrictions in the North York Moors on the national parks mapping portal. Areas with a dog restriction are shown shaded pink on the map. You can use the (information) tool to see further information - then click view to see the exact details of the restriction for a particular place.

On areas of access land with no local restriction you must by law keep your dog on a short fixed lead from 1 March to 31 July (the main breeding season for ground nesting birds) and at all times in the vicinity of livestock.

The National Park Authority recommends that to protect sensitive wildlife, dogs should be kept on short leads on moorland (including on rights of way) from March to July and either on a lead or to heel at all other times.

Dogs are not restricted on Forestry Commission access land, provided they are kept under control.