Nidderdale is blessed with an incredible variety of walking routes – from riverside rambles to moorland trails and hidden woodland paths. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll straight from the door of Covill Cottages or a more adventurous hike into the hills, you’ll find plenty to enjoy during your stay with us. Here are four of our favourite walks, each offering something unique and all within easy reach of Covill Cottages.
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1. Fishponds Wood – A Peaceful Woodland Escape
Tucked away just outside Pateley Bridge, Fishponds Wood is a little gem – a quiet haven of trees, birdsong, and gentle streams. It’s a perfect choice for an easy stroll, especially if you fancy a walk without straying too far. The woodland paths lead past the remains of the old fishponds that once supplied Pateley Bridge, giving the area its name. In spring you’ll find carpets of bluebells, while autumn brings a golden glow through the trees. It’s an ideal short walk if you just want a breath of fresh air and a touch of Nidderdale’s natural beauty.
2. Ladies Rigg and Ashfoldside – Following in Lead Miners’ Footsteps
This circular walk takes you high above Pateley Bridge, along the ridge of Ladies Rigg and through the fascinating landscape of Ashfoldside. Once at the heart of Nidderdale’s lead mining industry, the area is scattered with remnants of old smelt mills, chimneys, and spoil heaps – now softened by heather and bracken. The walk combines sweeping views over the valley with moments of historical intrigue, as you follow in the footsteps of the miners who once worked these moors. It’s a moderate walk with a real sense of stepping back in time.
3. Nought Moor Trail – A Classic Moorland Walk
For a true taste of Nidderdale’s open landscapes, the Nought Moor trail is hard to beat and has to be included as one of our four of our favourite walks. Starting from Pateley Bridge, the path climbs onto the high moor, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across the valley. The wide skies, windswept heather, and occasional curlew’s call make this a wonderfully atmospheric walk, especially on a clear day when you can see for miles. It’s a circular route too, so you’ll end back in Pateley – perfect for rewarding yourself with a slice of cake or a pint in one of the town’s cafes or pubs.
4. Scar House Reservoir – Waterside Views and Wild Scenery
A short drive up the valley brings you to Scar House Reservoir, one of Nidderdale’s most dramatic spots. The circular path around the reservoir is around 4 miles long and offers a wonderful mix of waterside walking, wild moorland scenery, and views of the mighty Scar House dam. It’s a family-friendly route – mostly level and easy underfoot – but with plenty of interest along the way. Look out for grouse and lapwings in the surrounding hills, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a red kite or peregrine overhead.
Plan Your Walks from Covill Cottages
Whether you fancy a gentle woodland wander, a step back into Nidderdale’s industrial past, a high moorland trail, or a dramatic reservoir circuit, these four of our favourite walks showcase the very best of our beautiful valley. Staying at Covill Cottages puts you right at the heart of it all – with maps, walking guides, and plenty of local knowledge to help you make the most of your time on the paths.
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