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Ripon is perfect for exploring on foot to discover its many points of historical interest or using it as a base for a longer walk to enjoy the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.

Explore Ripon's History

For an enjoyable Ripon walk, you do not even need to step outside the city centre. Ripon’s medieval street layout of hidden snickets and historical buildings include a trio of buildings originally used for the purposes of law and order that are now museums.

There are nearly 60 commemorative plaques across the city of Ripon that tell the story of how this city came to be and some of the people who have called Ripon home over the centuries.

You can also walk the boundary of the city’s area of sanctuary as created in the 7th century, to encompass the monastery founded many years earlier.

Ripon Walks with Dogs

Explore Ripon's Waterways

As well as a beautiful city centre with fascinating buildings, Ripon has a canal and three rivers that converge to leave the city as one. These are the Skell, the Laver and the River Ure which is the central river to the valley of Wensleydale.

The Ripon Canal takes its own route out of the city, joining the River Ure downstream once the river has become wider, deeper and slower; making it navigable to river traffic.

Discover Ripon's Wildlife

This provides yet another route from the centre of Ripon following the corridor of green that has grown up around it. Along the way you can enjoy the locks, the gentle ‘chug’ of a narrow boat and access the Ripon City Wetlands nature reserve.

As well as enjoying riverside walks with all the wildlife that makes the water its home, you can enjoy a walk out to a destination or attraction. The National Trust site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is just three miles away, and makes a great destination to enjoy lunch in one of the cafes or you can take a picnic from some of the great food shops in Ripon city centre

Go Big from Ripon

Ripon also has a long distance loop, the Ripon Rowel walk, a way marked tour of the countryside that surrounds Ripon taking in rolling hills, pretty villages and magnificent historical sites. The Ripon Rowel walking route reaches all the way to Masham, and includes the country park of Studley Royal, beginning and ending at Ripon Cathedral.

Sanctuary Way Walking Trail
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Ripon
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Sanctuary Way Walking Trail

The Sanctuary Way in Ripon is a way-marked trail that tours the city of Ripon tracing the original boundary of the area of Sanctuary granted to the settlement in 937AD. In 2005 a new walking trail was created around the city touring new sanctuary markers around the city. There are three versions of the route with lengths between 4 and ten miles. As well as the new markers, a number of interpretation boards have been...

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The Aislabie Walk
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The Aislabie Walk

During the mid 18th century, William Aislabie established a circuit between his estates as Studley Royal and Hackfall with...

Ripon & Fountains Abbey Walk
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Ripon
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Ripon & Fountains Abbey Walk

This walk allows visitors to reach Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden and Studley Royal Deer Park via...

Fountains Abbey to Markenfield Hall Walk
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Fountains Abbey to Markenfield Hall Walk

Discover the countryside between two of the most important medieval buildings in the area. Once, their lands adjoined, but...

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The Seven Bridges Valley walk
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Ripon
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The Seven Bridges Valley walk

The Seven Bridges Valley walk is something to truly experience! Take this circular walk to see a more rustic...

Fountains Abbey ancient trees walk
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Ripon
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Fountains Abbey ancient trees walk

On this circular walk you'll learn a little more about the ancient trees in the Deer Park and gain...

Boots, Gaiters and Vistas walk at Fountains Abbey
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Ripon
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Boots, Gaiters and Vistas walk at Fountains Abbey

This route will take you around the boundary of the estate with fantastic views of the Abbey to enjoy...

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Ripon Rowel Walk
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Ripon Rowel Walk

This route around the City of Ripon roves far and wide, taking in historic monuments and follies, the rolling hills and valleys of Mashamshire and the long gentle banks of the River Ure. Over its impressive 49 miles the Ripon Rowel walk will show you the true beauty of the area around Masham and Ripon, and the northern part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walk is a great way to see...

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Events in  Ripon

Advent Procession & Carol...
3rd Dec 2023

Advent Procession & Carol...

Macmillan Ripon Carol Concert
4th Dec 2023

Macmillan Ripon Carol Concert

Nativity Exhibition
6th Dec 2023

Nativity Exhibition

Snow Globe in Ripon City...
14th Dec 2023

Snow Globe in Ripon City...

Illuminated Winter Wonderland
15th Dec 2023

Illuminated Winter Wonderland

Festive Winter Warmer Cruises...
16th Dec 2023

Festive Winter Warmer Cruises...

Swiss Festive Fondue...
16th Dec 2023

Swiss Festive Fondue...

Christmas Carol Concert –...
17th Dec 2023

Christmas Carol Concert –...

Christmas Code Cracker Trail
19th Dec 2023

Christmas Code Cracker Trail

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Blogs in  Ripon

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Remember, remember the 5th of...

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Heritage

10 Winter Walks around...

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Offers in  Ripon

Festive Lunch & Dinner at The...
Food & Drink

Festive Lunch & Dinner at The...

25% off Ripon Museum Entry...
Things to do

25% off Ripon Museum Entry...

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