Discover the Skell Valley
Three new walks to enjoy
- Stories & Inspiration
- Walk This May In The Skell Valley
Walk this May in the Skell Valley
Located in the Nidderdale National Landscape is the beautiful Skell Valley. From the remote Dallowgill Moor to the historic cathedral city of Ripon, the River Skell meanders through picturesque countryside and takes in the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.
Three new walking trails are launching at the beginning of May to coincide with National Walking Month. Each route offers walkers the opportunity to be one with nature, taking in the sights and sounds of the countryside in the Skell Valley.
Why not leave the car at home? The Fountains Way and Hell Wath Nature Trails both start and finish in Ripon so you can travel by bus and alight at the bus station near the market square, giving you the opportunity to explore Ripon before setting off.
The Fountains Way
8.6m/13.76km
This is a moderate walk starting in Ripon city centre and taking you through parkland. The flat footpaths mean this is a great option for those looking for an easy-going walk.
At various points on the route, you have the option to choose an off-road and on-road route allowing you to choose the best one for your abilities.
From Ripon you arrive at the pretty village of Studley Roger where you can then enter the Studley Royal Deer Park. You may wish to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens or stop for some refreshments at this point.
Following the path around the lake, you will pick up the Seven Bridges Valley Walk, crossing the five remaining stone bridges before exiting the National Trust estate and looping round back into Studley Roger. From here you can retrace your steps back to Ripon.
Take care in October and November during the deer rut and keep dogs on a short lead.
Hell Wath Nature Trail
1m/1.6km
This is a short easy-going walk taking you along the banks of the River Skell in Ripon. The river is home to otters, fish and kingfishers so you are sure to see some wildlife on your route.
As you stroll along the path you can see the remains of a First World War camp before the path takes you around the edge of the Hell Wath Nature Reserve.
Skell Valley Explorer
9.6m/15.36km
This is a challenging walk around Grantley and Sawley taking you through the scenic countryside of Nidderdale. The walk can be split into two shorter loops – the longer High Grantley loop starting at Grantley village hall, or the shorter Sawley loop starting in Sawley village hall car park.
The walk takes you through woods and open farmland towards Eavestone Lake and you can see the remains of Aldfield Spa and smell the sulphur water coming out of the ground nearby.
Whichever walk you choose, you will leave with an appreciation of the beauty of this part of North Yorkshire. Find out more about the Ripon area ready for your next visit.
This is a paid partnership blog with the National Trust.
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