A small selection of some of our favorite local walks
Fishponds Wood. 1 hour. This short picturesque walk around Fishpond Wood is one of a series of trails offering the chance to enjoy the contrasting landscapes and fascinating heritage that make Upper Nidderdale such a special place. Along this route you can take a walk through the historic village of Bewerley and enjoy the serenity of Fishpond Wood.
Ladies Riggs and Ashfoldside. 2-3 hours. This engaging walk around Ladies Riggs and Ashfoldside is one of a series of trails offering the chance to enjoy the contrasting landscapes and fascinating heritage that make
Upper Nidderdale such a special place. 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.
Scar House Reservoir. 2-3 hours. This scenic walk around Scar House Reservoir
is one of a series of trails which offer the chance to enjoy the contrasting landscapes and fascinating heritage that make Upper Nidderdale such a special place. 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 reservoirs construction, and see how innovative approaches to farming are helping vulnerable species and habitats to thrive.
Scotgate Ash. 2-3 hours. This walk through the now abandoned Scotgate Ash Quarry is one of a series of trails offering the chance to enjoy the contrasting landscapes and fascinating heritage that make Upper Nidderdale such a special place. Along this route you can enjoy spectacular views across Nidderdale, take a short detour to the ruins of the 14th century St Mary’s Church, stroll up Pateley Bridge’s historic High Street and view the atmospheric remains of Scotgate Ash Quarry.
Stean. 2-3 hours. This scenic walk around Stean is one of a series of trails offering the chance to enjoy the contrasting landscapes and fascinating heritage that make Upper Nidderdale such a special place. 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.
Wath. 1-2 hours. This short picturesque walk around the village of Wath is one of a series of trails offering the chance to enjoy the contrasting landscapes and fascinating heritage that make Upper Nidderdale such a special place. 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. Alternatively this walk can be extended by starting from the cottages by turning left and following the track for a mile and you will join the walk at POINT 5 on the map. It will add an extra hour to the duration.
Woodale Heritage Trail. 3-4 hours. This walk around Woodale and Dale Edge is one of a series of trails which offer the chance to enjoy the contrasting landscapes and fascinating heritage that make Upper Nidderdale such a special place. This route enables you to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Scar House Reservoir, Great Whernside and the Upper Nidderdale moorlands, and walk along the Nidd’s unique dry river bed as the watercourse disappears into limestone caverns deep underground before re-surfacing downstream.