Scale the north side of Nidderdale to explore the heritage of Pateley Bridge’s early years as a significant town. This four-mile walk tours the landmarks and remains of the quarry that paved train station platforms across the country. The Scotgate Ash walk offers a variety of landscape and interest; passing historic sites, view points and habitats.

The name of the walk comes from the disused quarry that you pass at the halfway point.  Scot Gate Ash Quarry was a source of particularly high quality flagstones that were renowned for their strength and shape.  The enormous flagstones were carried down to Pateley Bridge below by an inclined railway the route of which is still clearly visible.

On leaving the quarry this walk descends back into the valley via the road known as Silver Hill, which offers a popular view of the valley and of Gouthwaite Reservoir.  The walk finishes with half a mile alongside the River Nidd where you might see kingfishers, dippers and even otters which have recently returned to the River.

Nearest Town: Pateley Bridge. Length: 4 miles (6.5km).   Time (approx): ~2 hours.   Difficulty: ​moderate with some significant hills.

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