Nidderdale Greenway

The Sustrans route from Harrogate to Ripley is a perfect walk at all times of year. You can pick the Nidderdale Greenway up from the centre of Harrogate, or from the residential area of Bilton where it crosses Bilton Lane and meets the Beryl Burton Cycle Way.

Scar House Reservoir

Experience the higher reaches of Nidderdale with this four mile loop around one of its great Edwardian wonders. Access to Scar Houe Reservoir is from the village of Lofthouse via the route of the old railway line that was used in the construction of the dam.

Ripon to Fountains Abbey

Enjoy this scenic route between the city of Ripon and Studley Royal crossing the fields that separate the two. Explore the Studley Royal deer park and enjoy the fantastic view across the lake.

Valley Gardens to Harlow Carr

This beautiful Harrogate walk connects two of Harrogate’s best known gardens: the Grade II listed Valley Gardens and the RHS Garden Harlow Carr. The route is surfaced from end to end and is an enjoyable way to stretch the legs and see the winter gardens and the peaceful pine woods that separate the two.

Beningbrough Hall Grounds – River Walk

While known for its walled and formal gardens, Beningbrough Hall retains some of the beautiful country park that was once just part of the estate. The Beningbrough River Walk starts from the Beningbrough Hall car park and is fully waymarked. The route follows paths round the parkland to pick up the riverside path alongside the River Ouse.

Hackfall Woods

Explore the remarkable landscape of Hackfall Woods with all its winding paths and water features. In and amongst this landscape you will also find curious follies and remarkable views. Hackfall is a rolling landscape with some significant climbs and steep steps along its paths. Few of the paths are surfaced, so good water resistant footwear is advisable.

Guise Cliff Circular Walk – The Yorkes of Bewerley

Beginning from Pateley Bridge the Guise Cliff Circular is not only incredibly scenic but also a Yorkshire classic. Climbing up the valley side through the village of Bewerley the walk passes by local landmark Yorke’s Folly or ‘Two Stoops’. The walk then crosses the open moor with the option of a clifftop path that features some of the best views up the length of Nidderdale.

The two routes re-join before descending back to the valley floor through the beautiful Guise Cliff Woods, passing the dark still water of Guise Cliff Tarn. At the foot of the hill is the village of Glasshouses where the historic Glasshouses Mill is currently undergoing refurbishment. The walk returns to Pateley Bridge along the River.

Fewston Reservoir

Relax and enjoy this surfaced walk around one of the Washburn Valley reservoirs. The advantages of a reservoir loop are not only the surfaced path, but also the ease of navigation. Keep the water by your side and you simply cannot go wrong. As you make your way round this walk, you can enjoy the views out over the water.

Victorian Gardens of Pateley Bridge

This simple to follow and ever popular three mile walk (with options to lengthen) is a quiet loop from Pateley Bridge to Glasshouses by the river, returning along quite lanes. Along the River Nidd there are places for skimming stones and feeding the ducks.

The Nidderdale Way

Set yourself a challenge for the winter months to complete the 54 miles of the Nidderdale Way, our local Long Distance Walking Route. As well as those who tackle the route as part of a long weekend in four consecutive days, we see more and more people ticking off the Nidderdale Way in bite size chunks.