Walks Cycling and Outdoors
Walks Cycling and Outdoors – Walks, Cycling & Outdoor Activities in Harrogate, Knaresborough & Ripon. Discover fresh air, spectacular scenery and some of Yorkshire’s finest countryside around Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon. Enjoy walking and cycling through beautiful landscapes, from Valley Gardens and the Pinewoods to riverside trails along the Nidd and countryside surrounding Ripon. Explore Nidd Gorge, walk beneath Knaresborough’s famous viaduct or head towards Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. For waterside adventures, discover Fewston, Swinsty, Thruscross, Gouthwaite and Scar House reservoirs, offering wonderful settings for walking, wildlife watching and picnics. Cyclists can follow quiet country lanes and scenic rural routes through Nidderdale, while Brimham Rocks provides dramatic landscapes for a memorable day outdoors. Whether you prefer walking, cycling, parks, reservoirs or countryside adventures, there are countless ways to explore the great outdoors in North Yorkshire.
The Best Walks, Cycling Trails, Reservoir Routes & Walking Clubs in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon & Nidderdale
From peaceful riverside paths and woodland trails to reservoir circuits, traffic-free cycleways and challenging long-distance adventures, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Nidderdale offer some of North Yorkshire’s finest countryside experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle family walk, somewhere to exercise the dog, a scenic cycle ride, an organised walking club or a serious day in the hills, this Harrogate UK guide brings the area’s best outdoor options together in one place.
Choose Your Adventure
| Looking for | Try |
|---|---|
| Easy family walk | Valley Gardens, Knaresborough Riverside, Fewston or Swinsty |
| Riverside walk | Nidd Gorge, Knaresborough Waterside or Ripon Canal |
| Woodland walk | Pinewoods, Nidd Gorge or Brimham countryside |
| Reservoir walk | Fewston, Swinsty, Thruscross, Scar House & Angram |
| Long-distance walk | Harrogate Ringway, Knaresborough Round, Ripon Rowel or Nidderdale Way |
| Walking club | Harrogate Ramblers, Harrogate Rambling Club, Ripon groups or Nidderdale LDWA |
| Family cycling | Nidderdale Greenway |
| Road cycling | Nidderdale Northern or Southern Loop |
| Off-road cycling | Nidderdale bridleways and MTB routes |
| Cycle touring | Way of the Roses |
North Yorkshire Council advises walkers and cyclists to carry a map, suitable clothing, food and water, check the weather and follow the Countryside Code.
Harrogate Walks
1. Harrogate Ringway
Location: Harrogate and surrounding countryside
Start/Finish: Harrogate
Distance: 20 miles
Difficulty: Moderate–challenging
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Countryside • Riverside • Long distance
Parking: Various points around Harrogate
About the Walk: The Harrogate Ringway makes a broad circuit around the spa town, generally three to four miles from its centre. It combines country lanes and river paths, providing a very different view of Harrogate from the familiar town-centre attractions.
The full 20 miles makes a substantial day’s walk, but the route can easily be divided into shorter sections. Particularly ambitious walkers can connect it with the Knaresborough Round to create a 36-mile route.
Highlights: Rural Harrogate • River paths • Countryside • Long-distance walking
Good for: Regular walkers and full-day adventures
Allow: Full day for the complete circuit
Website: North Yorkshire Council – Walking & Cycling Routes
2. Nidderdale Greenway
Location: Harrogate, Bilton & Ripley
Start/Finish: Harrogate/Bilton to Ripley
Distance: 4 miles / 6.4km each way
Difficulty: Easy
Activity: Walking & cycling
Surface: Tarmac; mainly flat
Route Type: Traffic-free • Countryside • Family-friendly
Parking: Harrogate and pay-and-display parking at Ripley
About the Route: One of the area’s best family-friendly outdoor routes, the Nidderdale Greenway follows a converted railway corridor between Harrogate and Ripley.
The highlight is the impressive Grade II-listed seven-arch Nidd Gorge Viaduct. The entire route is surfaced, mainly flat and suitable for walking and cycling, although there are hillier stretches on the outskirts of Ripley.
Highlights: Nidd Gorge • Viaduct • Ripley • Traffic-free cycling
Good for: Families, beginners, walkers and leisure cyclists
Website: Nidderdale Greenway
3. Valley Gardens & Pinewoods
Location: Harrogate
Start: Valley Gardens, Valley Drive, Harrogate HG1 2SZ
Distance: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Parkland • Woodland
Parking: Valley Drive and surrounding town parking
About the Walk: Start among the lawns, flowerbeds and historic features of Valley Gardens before heading into the neighbouring Pinewoods.
A network of woodland paths means you can enjoy anything from a short stroll to a longer outing towards the Harlow Carr area.
Highlights: Gardens • Mature woodland • Parkland • Family walks
Good for: Families, dog walkers and gentle exercise
Allow: 30 minutes to 2+ hours
4. The Stray
Location: Harrogate
Distance: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Open parkland
Parking: Numerous town access points
About the Walk: Harrogate’s famous open green space provides around 200 acres of grassland encircling much of the town centre. Its broad paths and open landscape make it ideal for uncomplicated walking without having to travel into the countryside.
Highlights: Open space • Harrogate landmarks • Seasonal colour
Good for: Short walks, families, running and dog walking
Knaresborough Walks
5. Nidd Gorge
Location: Harrogate–Knaresborough
Distance: Various routes
Difficulty: Easy–moderate
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Riverside • Woodland
Parking: Access from the Bilton and Knaresborough/Scotton sides
About the Walk: Nidd Gorge provides one of the best combinations of woodland and riverside walking close to Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Paths descend into the wooded valley of the River Nidd, where walkers can explore riverside trails, woodland tracks and connecting routes towards Bilton and Knaresborough.
Highlights: River Nidd • Woodland • Wildlife • Riverside trails
Good for: Nature lovers, families, photographers and dog walkers
Allow: 1–3 hours depending on route
6. Knaresborough Riverside & Waterside
Location: Knaresborough
Start: Waterside, Knaresborough HG5
Distance: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Riverside
Parking: Knaresborough town-centre car parks
About the Walk: Few North Yorkshire walks offer such an instantly recognisable setting. Follow the River Nidd along Waterside beneath Knaresborough’s famous railway viaduct, with the castle and historic town rising above the valley.
Extend the outing by climbing into the town centre or following paths farther along the Nidd.
Highlights: Viaduct • River Nidd • Waterside • Castle views
Good for: Families, visitors and photographers
Allow: 45 minutes–2 hours
7. Knaresborough Round
Location: Knaresborough & surrounding countryside
Start/Finish: Knaresborough
Distance: 20 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Riverside • Country lanes • Long distance
About the Walk: This substantial circular trail begins alongside the River Nidd before heading onto country lanes through villages north and east of Knaresborough.
It can be completed in two stages or joined to the Harrogate Ringway for a 36-mile challenge.
Highlights: River Nidd • Villages • Country lanes • Rural North Yorkshire
Good for: Experienced walkers
Website: North Yorkshire Council – Walking Routes
Ripon Walks
8. Ripon Canal & Riverside
Location: Ripon
Start: Ripon city centre/canal basin
Distance: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Canal • Waterside • Countryside
About the Walk: Follow the canal away from Ripon’s historic centre and into quieter surroundings, with water, wildlife and countryside creating an attractive contrast to the city’s streets.
Highlights: Canal • Wildlife • Countryside • Waterside
Good for: Families and relaxed walking
9. Ripon to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Location: Ripon, Studley Royal & Fountains Abbey
Start: Ripon
Distance: Around 8 miles depending on route
Difficulty: Moderate
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Countryside • Historic landscape
About the Walk: Combine a proper countryside walk with one of Yorkshire’s great heritage destinations by travelling on foot between Ripon and the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal landscape.
Highlights: Fountains Abbey • Studley Royal • Parkland • Countryside
Good for: History lovers and longer walks
Allow: Around half a day
10. Ripon Rowel
Location: Ripon & surrounding countryside
Start/Finish: Ripon
Distance: 50 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Long-distance circular trail
About the Walk: The Ripon Rowel explores a huge sweep of countryside around the cathedral city. The official route passes North Stainley, Mickley, Masham, Dallowgill, Grantley and Fountains Abbey, returning through Markington, South Stainley and Bishop Monkton.
Highlights: Fountains Abbey • Villages • Open countryside • Ripon
Good for: Experienced and multi-stage walkers
Website: North Yorkshire Council – Ripon Rowel
Reservoir Walks
11. Fewston Reservoir
Location: Washburn Valley
Distance: Around 4 miles for the popular reservoir circuit
Difficulty: Easy
Activity: Walking, with cycling opportunities in the surrounding area
Route Type: Reservoir • Woodland
About the Walk: Fewston combines attractive reservoir views with mature woodland and open countryside, making it one of the area’s most popular gentler outdoor destinations.
Nidderdale National Landscape also highlights Yorkshire Water cycling opportunities around the Fewston, Swinsty and Scar House reservoir areas.
Highlights: Water • Woodland • Wildlife • Washburn Valley
Good for: Families and casual walkers
12. Swinsty Reservoir
Location: Washburn Valley
Distance: Around 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Reservoir • Woodland
About the Walk: A shorter reservoir circuit with attractive waterside and woodland scenery. Swinsty is particularly useful for families and walkers wanting a manageable outing, while neighbouring Fewston makes it possible to extend the day.
Highlights: Reservoir • Woodland • Picnics • Countryside
Good for: Families and gentle walks
13. Fewston & Timble
Location: Washburn Valley
Distance: Around 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate–challenging
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Reservoir • Woodland • Countryside
About the Walk: For something longer than the straightforward reservoir circuit, head into the surrounding countryside towards Timble, combining water views with woodland, tracks and rural scenery.
Highlights: Fewston • Timble • Woodland • Rural landscapes
Good for: Regular walkers and half-day adventures
14. Thruscross Reservoir
Location: Upper Washburn Valley
Address: Reservoir Road, Harrogate HG3 4BB
Distance: Around 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Reservoir • Moorland • Woodland
About the Walk: Thruscross has a distinctly wilder character than Fewston and Swinsty, with a varied circuit through woodland, pasture and more open countryside.
Highlights: Reservoir • Moorland scenery • Woodland • Remote atmosphere
Good for: More adventurous walkers
Nidderdale Walks
15. Scar House & Angram Reservoirs
Location: Upper Nidderdale
Start: Scar House Reservoir
Distance: Around 6 miles for a combined route
Difficulty: Moderate–challenging
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Reservoir • Moorland • Upland
About the Walk: Head deep into Upper Nidderdale for a very different landscape. The huge dams, open moors and remote surroundings of Scar House and Angram create one of the most dramatic outdoor experiences in this guide.
Highlights: Two reservoirs • Dams • Moorland • Big landscapes
Good for: Experienced walkers and photographers
16. Nidderdale Way
Location: Nidderdale National Landscape
Start/Finish: Pateley Bridge
Distance: 53 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Long-distance circular trail
About the Walk: Nidderdale’s signature long-distance trail follows the River Nidd up the valley, passes above Scar House Reservoir and eventually returns through Ripley.
It can be completed as a walking holiday or divided into individual day sections.
Highlights: River Nidd • Reservoirs • Villages • Moorland • Ripley
Good for: Long-distance walkers
Website: North Yorkshire Council – Nidderdale Way
17. Brimham Rocks
Location: Nidderdale
Address: Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
Distance: Various
Difficulty: Easy–moderate
Activity: Walking
Route Type: Moorland • Geological landscape
About the Walk: Explore paths weaving between Brimham’s extraordinary gritstone formations before extending the walk into the surrounding moorland and countryside.
Highlights: Rock formations • Views • Moorland • Geology
Good for: Families, walkers and photographers
Walking Clubs & Groups
18. Harrogate Ramblers
Area: Harrogate, Knaresborough & surrounding North Yorkshire countryside
Type: Organised group walking
About the Group: Harrogate Ramblers provides organised countryside walks for the local community. Current Ramblers listings show moderate group walks around locations including Ripley, Hampsthwaite, Birstwith and Grewelthorpe.
Good for: Social walking, discovering new routes and regular weekend outings
Website: The Ramblers – Harrogate Group
19. Harrogate Rambling Club
Area: Harrogate & wider Yorkshire
Type: Independent walking club
About the Club: A long-established Harrogate walking organisation offering a programme of countryside walks across the district and farther afield.
Good for: Regular walkers, social walking and discovering new countryside
Website: Harrogate Rambling Club
20. Ripon Walking Groups
Area: Ripon & surrounding countryside
Type: Organised and social walking
About: Ripon-based walkers have access to organised walking opportunities exploring the city, surrounding villages, Fountains Abbey area and wider North Yorkshire countryside.
Good for: People wanting company on walks and opportunities to discover unfamiliar routes
Find a group: Ramblers – Find a Group
21. Nidderdale LDWA
Area: Nidderdale & wider Yorkshire
Type: Long-distance walking
About the Group: The Long Distance Walkers Association is particularly relevant for walkers interested in longer routes, challenge walks and full days in the countryside.
Good for: Experienced walkers and long-distance challenges
Website: Long Distance Walkers Association
Family & Leisure Cycling Trails
22. Nidderdale Greenway – Harrogate to Ripley
Location: Harrogate, Bilton & Ripley
Distance: 4 miles / 6.4km each way
Difficulty: Easy
Activity: Cycling & walking
Route Type: Surfaced shared-use trail
About the Ride: This is the standout choice for a family cycle ride around Harrogate. The traffic-free converted railway route crosses Nidd Gorge Viaduct and continues through countryside to Ripley.
It is surfaced in tarmac and mainly flat, making it particularly accessible to newer cyclists.
Highlights: Nidd Gorge • Viaduct • Ripley • Traffic-free riding
Good for: Families and beginners
Website: Nidderdale Greenway Route Guide
23. Harrogate, Bilton & Knaresborough Cycling Connections
Location: Harrogate–Bilton–Knaresborough
Distance: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy–moderate
Activity: Cycling
Route Type: Shared paths • Quiet roads • Cycle links
About the Ride: Local cycle connections allow riders to combine Harrogate, Bilton and Knaresborough with the Greenway network, making it possible to build longer leisure rides rather than simply travelling out and back on one trail.
Good for: Leisure cyclists and longer family outings
Mountain Bike & Off-Road Cycling
24. Nidderdale Off-Road Cycling
Location: Nidderdale National Landscape
Difficulty: Route dependent
Activity: Mountain biking / gravel / off-road cycling
About the Riding: Nidderdale has an extensive network of bridleways, greenways and quiet roads, offering everything from gentle rides to demanding off-road adventures.
Highlights: Bridleways • Dales scenery • Woodland • Hills
Good for: Gravel and mountain-bike riders
Website: Nidderdale National Landscape – Cycling
25. Reservoir Cycling
Location: Fewston, Swinsty & Scar House areas
Difficulty: Easy–challenging depending on route
Activity: Cycling / off-road cycling
About the Riding: Nidderdale National Landscape highlights a selection of Yorkshire Water cycling routes near Swinsty, Fewston and Scar House, ranging from family-friendly options to rides for more confident cyclists.
Good for: Families through to experienced riders
Website: Nidderdale National Landscape – Gentle Cycling
Road Cycling
26. Nidderdale Northern Loop
Location: Pateley Bridge, Upper Nidderdale, Masham & eastern Nidderdale
Distance: 40 miles / 65km
Difficulty: Challenging
Activity: Road cycling
Route Type: Circular road route
About the Route: This major circular ride explores northern Nidderdale, including Pateley Bridge, Upper Nidderdale and Masham, before passing through eastern villages. It also travels by Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal and Brimham Rocks.
Highlights: Pateley Bridge • Upper Nidderdale • Masham • Fountains Abbey • Brimham Rocks
Good for: Experienced road cyclists
Website: Nidderdale Road Cycling Routes
27. Nidderdale Southern Loop
Location: Southern Nidderdale & Washburn Valley
Distance: 39 miles / 63km
Difficulty: Challenging
Activity: Road cycling
Route Type: Circular road route
About the Route: The Southern Loop explores the southern part of the National Landscape, including the Washburn Valley, Ilkley, Otley and villages of lower Nidderdale. Riders can add approximately four miles each way to reach Ilkley.
Highlights: Washburn Valley • Villages • Ilkley • Otley
Good for: Experienced road cyclists
Website: Nidderdale Road Cycling Routes
28. Tour of Nidderdale
Location: Nidderdale
Difficulty: Moderate–challenging
Activity: Cycling
Route Type: All-weather tracks • Rural roads
About the Route: The Tour of Nidderdale is an all-weather cycling option using stony tracks through farmland, passing small villages and reservoirs as it explores the valley.
Highlights: Reservoirs • Villages • Farm tracks • Nidderdale scenery
Good for: Confident leisure and adventure cyclists
Website: Nidderdale Cycling Routes
Long-Distance Cycling
29. Way of the Roses – Nidderdale & Ripon
Location: Nidderdale, Fountains Abbey & Ripon
Difficulty: Moderate–challenging
Activity: Long-distance cycling
Route Type: Cycle touring
About the Route: The famous coast-to-coast cycling corridor provides one of the area’s great longer cycling adventures, allowing riders to experience the changing landscape between Nidderdale and the countryside around Ripon.
Highlights: Nidderdale • Heritage landscapes • Ripon • Yorkshire countryside
Good for: Touring cyclists and multi-day rides
30. Ripon & Vale of York Cycling
Location: Ripon and countryside east of the city
Distance: Flexible
Difficulty: Easy–moderate
Activity: Road/leisure cycling
About the Ride: Ripon provides an excellent base for exploring quieter lanes through the Vale of York. These routes provide a gentler contrast to the bigger climbs and upland terrain found farther west in Nidderdale.
Highlights: Ripon • Villages • Country lanes • Rural scenery
Good for: Leisure cyclists and touring riders
More Cycling in Nidderdale
Nidderdale National Landscape describes the area as offering everything from gentle rides to major climbing routes, using quiet roads, bridleways and greenways.
For beginners and families, the Nidderdale Greenway is the obvious starting point. More experienced riders can progress to reservoir tracks, the Tour of Nidderdale, Northern Loop and Southern Loop. The area’s official cycling information also identifies dedicated climb routes for cyclists looking for a much tougher challenge.
Plan Your Walk or Cycle Ride
Conditions in North Yorkshire can change quickly, particularly on moorland and around the higher reservoirs. Check the individual route provider before travelling, especially for parking restrictions, temporary closures, path works or severe weather.
For longer walks, carry appropriate footwear, waterproof clothing, food, water and a suitable map. North Yorkshire Council also recommends checking the weather and telling someone your plans before setting out.
Discover the Outdoors Around Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon & Nidderdale
You don’t have to travel far to find a memorable outdoor adventure in this part of North Yorkshire. Harrogate’s parkland and Greenway, Knaresborough’s River Nidd, Ripon’s canal and historic countryside, the Washburn reservoirs and the wild landscapes of Nidderdale provide routes for almost every age and ability.
Start with an easy riverside stroll or family cycle ride, join a local walking group, tackle a reservoir circuit or make a weekend of the Nidderdale Way, Ripon Rowel or Way of the Roses.
