Explore Skipton’s hidden gem – a waterside woodland bathed in dappled light and the sound of the beck flowing down towards the town.  The woods can be accessed via a scenic path between the beck and the canal alongside one of the many beautiful mill buildings in Skipton. The path snakes behind the castle and provides a different view, looking up at the impressive edifice.

While this path emerges onto a quiet road, the majority of the woodland is found a little further upstream, with a network of paths, some of which are level, and some include steep steps and elevations. Options for exploring the woods vary from a gentle 1-mile walk to a more challenging route of climbs and descents with a length of just over two miles.

The woods are home to a range of wildlife including kingfishers, dippers and sparrow hawks.

Dogs on a lead are welcome in the woods.

Skipton Castle woods are managed and cared for by the Woodland Trust.  Parking is available at Bailey Car Park, postcode BD23 1UA