Open Air Activities<\/p>\n
Start at:<\/strong><\/p>\n Valley Gardens<\/span><\/span><\/strong> \u2014 Valley Dr, Harrogate HG1 2SZ, UK (park entrances also on Cornwall Rd & Valley Drive)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Then head to:<\/strong><\/p>\n RHS Garden Harlow Carr<\/span><\/span><\/strong> \u2014 Crag Ln, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB, UK RHS<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Optional scenic walk\/cycle:<\/strong><\/p>\n Nidderdale Greenway<\/strong> \u2014 traffic-free route between Harrogate and Ripley; start access points around Bilton\/Harrogate centre (search \u201cNidderdale Greenway Harrogate\u201d).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Why go:<\/strong> classic gardens, spacious lawns, themed horticulture and miles of open paths. Start\/central point:<\/strong><\/p>\n Mother Shipton\u2019s Cave<\/strong> \u2013 Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8DD Mother Shipton’s Cave<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Nearby walking\/park spots:<\/strong><\/p>\n Knaresborough Castle grounds<\/strong> (castle ruins and parkland above the River Nidd; search \u201cKnaresborough Castle, Knaresborough\u201d on map).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Hay-a-Park Gravel Pit<\/strong> \u2013 off Hay-a-Park Lane, Knaresborough (a wildlife spot and SSSI for bird watching; access via public footpaths) Harrogate & District Naturalists Society<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Riverside walks along the River Nidd<\/strong> (various access points beside the town centre and parks). Wikipedia<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Why go:<\/strong> combine riverside strolls with woodland and a family-friendly historic attraction. Morning\/History:<\/strong><\/p>\n Fountains Abbey<\/span><\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY, UK National Trust<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n National Trust – Studley Royal Park<\/span><\/span><\/strong> \u2013 (World Heritage Site parkland around the abbey) National Trust<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Afternoon\/Nature & Gardens:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ripon Spa Gardens<\/span><\/span><\/strong> \u2013 9 Park St, Ripon HG4 2AX, UK<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ripon City Wetlands – YWT<\/span><\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Boroughbridge Rd, Ripon HG4, UK ywt.org.uk<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Optional walk:<\/strong><\/p>\n Sanctuary Way Walk<\/strong> \u2013 circular countryside route around Ripon; trailheads near Minster Rd, Ripon HG4 1QT (start near Ripon Cathedral) Visit North Yorkshire<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Why go:<\/strong> historic world heritage abbey and water gardens plus peaceful town parks and wetlands. Adventure hub:<\/strong><\/p>\n How Stean Gorge<\/span><\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5SF, UK howstean.co.uk<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Then explore countryside near:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ripley Castle grounds<\/strong> (search \u201cRipley Castle, Ripley, Harrogate\u201d).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Nidderdale AONB viewpoints and footpaths (look up \u201cNidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty\u201d).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Why go:<\/strong> rugged limestone gorge, thrill activities, then gentle estate walks. Ripon Walled Garden<\/strong> \u2013 Palace Road, Ripon HG4 3HN (charming community garden with caf\u00e9 and paths) riponcommunitylink.org<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ripon Canal Basin<\/strong> \u2013 canal-side walk around Ripon centre (search \u201cRipon Canal Basin, Ripon\u201d).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Jacob Smith Park, Knaresborough<\/strong> \u2013 large parkland on the edge of town (search \u201cJacob Smith Park, Knaresborough\u201d). Wikipedia<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n ………………………………………………………………..<\/p>\n Killer Climb – Trapping Hill, Lofthouse – A category three climb in the heart of Upper Nidderdale \u2013 probably the most grueling and relentless in the Dale.<\/p>\n For more information Go to –\u00a0 https:\/\/nidderdaleaonb.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Killer-Climb_Trapping-Hill.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………<\/p>\n Gouthwaite Reservoir Nature Reserve –\u00a0 A compensation\u00a0reservoir<\/em>\u00a0for the River Nidd, which is managed as a\u00a0nature<\/em>\u00a0reserve<\/em>\u00a0by Yorkshire Water.<\/p>\n For more information Go to – https:\/\/www.hdns.org.uk\/wildlife-locations\/gouthwaite-reservoir\/<\/a><\/p>\n ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..<\/p>\n We cannot guarantee this information is up to date and correct and has not changed since we published it. You should always check all the information out prior to using any information you find<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Walking routes in Nidderdale<\/p>\n Our hiking and walking route suggestions below have free, downloadable maps with route information and points of interest along the walk.<\/p>\n For more information and printable maps go to<\/strong><\/p>\n https:\/\/nidderdaleaonb.org.uk\/visiting\/outdoor-and-active\/walking\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Pateley Bridge, Bewerley and central AONB<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bewerley Tree Trail<\/strong><\/p>\n A short walking route for all the family taking in the lovely village of Bewerley through to Fishpond Wood. This walking route is one of our most popular walks for families and the more casual walker.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n This family-friendly trail follows a mix of footpaths and quiet lanes. Starting along the River Nidd it heads up through woodland to heather moorland, taking in the magnificent views and abundant wildlife.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n This route takes in the amazing geological features of Brimham Rocks and passes through woodland and rolling fields, giving fantastic views across the valley.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n Discover more about the town\u2019s fascinating history, follow the inner trail as it winds its way through the historic streets.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n Take a walking tour around Pateley Bridge and see some of the fabulous historic houses and gardens.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n This walk takes you around what were once the extensive gardens and grounds surrounding Bewerley Hall which, until it was demolished in the 1920s, was the home of the influential Yorke family. The designed landscape, developed in the 18th to 20th centuries, included parkland, pleasure gardens, woodlands, ponds, walled kitchen gardens and a folly.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n Along this route you can take a walk through the historic village of Bewerley and enjoy the serenity of Fishpond Wood.<\/p>\n Nearest village: Bewerley Length: 2 miles (3km) Time (approx): 1-1.5 hours Difficulty: easy \/ moderate<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n Along this route you will walk through the abandoned industrial landscape around Prosperous Smelt Mill, enjoy the secluded beauty of Ashfoldside Beck and take in the atmospheric Ladies Riggs and Bale Bank.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n Along this route you can enjoy spectacular views across Nidderdale, take a short detour to the ruins of the 14th century St Mary\u2019s Church, stroll up Pateley Bridge\u2019s historic High Street and view the atmospheric remains of Scotgate Ash Quarry.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n Along this route you can enjoy a range of different settings, from the quiet serenity of the woods at Middle Tongue Bank to the heather moorland and blanket bog of Nought Moor, and take in spectacular views across Guisecliffe and Yorke\u2019s Folly.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n Along this route you can enjoy a range of different settings, from the wetlands of Nidd Marsh to the tranquillity of Spring Wood Top, take in serene views across Gouthwaite Reservoir nature reserve and see historic buildings such as the nineteenth century Dutch hay barn at Spring Wood Top farm.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n Upper Nidderdale<\/strong><\/p>\n Take a journey back in time from the present day, to the Ice Age, then to tropical conditions 300-350 million years ago where you can discover fossils from the tropical seas and forests.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n A choice of two circular routes exploring the industrial heritage of Prosperous Lead Mine and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n This route enables you to enjoy the remote beauty of Scar House and Angram reservoirs, appreciate the labours of the men and women who lived and worked here during the reservoir\u2019s construction, and see how innovative approaches to farming are helping vulnerable species and habitats to thrive.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n Along this route you will enjoy the tranquillity and natural beauty of Cliff Woods, see dramatic limestone rocks and cliffs in How Stean Gorge and walk through traditional hay meadows on Low Riggs Farm.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n Along this route you will experience a range of different settings, from the industrial heritage of Toft Gate Lime Kiln to Coldstones Cut, a monumental piece of public art with spectacular views, and hear the calls of upland birds on the high pastures of Toft Gate Farm.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n Open Air Activities For more information and printable maps go to<\/strong><\/p>\n https:\/\/nidderdaleaonb.org.uk\/visiting\/outdoor-and-active\/walking\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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Time needed:<\/strong> full day<\/p>\nKnaresborough Riverside & Nature Day<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Time needed:<\/strong> 5\u20137 hours<\/p>\nRipon World Heritage Experience<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Time needed:<\/strong> full day<\/p>\nEasy Adventure & Countryside Day<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Time needed:<\/strong> 6\u20138 hours<\/p>\nBonus: Smaller Outdoor Spaces & Walks<\/span><\/h2>\n
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