We are the Leeds Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
William G.
This walk offers vistas across fields, riverside and woodland walking and should be enjoyable for everyone participating.
Please note:
If in any doubts as to the suitability of this walk for you, please contact the walk leader.
Starting from Knaresborough railway station, we will walk along Water Bag Bank and then Waterside, so that we can cross the River Nidd, via the Harrogate Road (A59) bridge. Immediately after crossing the river, we will pick up the Harrogate Ringway Trail, which travels along cycle route 636, the Beryl Burton Cycleway. This will take us in a west-northwest (WNW) direction along Bilton Lane, past fields, to Old Bilton, on the outskirts of Harrogate.
As soon as we have passed Old Bilton, we will head roughly north (N) until we reach the River Nidd, via a steep, but short descent into the Nidd Gorge. We will then turn right, to take us back towards Knaresborough, following the south (S) bank of the Nidd, along a wooded path. After passing a weir, we will cross the river at the third footbridge and continue towards Knaresborough, on the north (N) bank, again walking through woods. Once, we emerge from the woods, we will work our way briefly northwards (N) and then turn right onto the Ripley Road (B6165) into Knaresborough and find our way back to the starting point.
Safety notes
At this time of year, parts of the walk are likely to be very muddy. Trekking poles and suitable footwear are highly recommended. Please take extra care along the Nidd Gorge, as we don't want anyone falling into the river! Likewise, there are stretches along busy roads. Please keep a good lookout for traffic! It is possible that we may encounter cattle. If we do, please stay close together as a group, do nothing to alarm them and remain silent.
Most of the gradients on this walk are fairly gentle, with the exception of the steep, but short downhill into Nidd Gorge and a somewhat steep, but quite short climb up to Ripley Road.
Stops
If time permits and this is open, we will pause for a brief refreshment stop, at the Gardner's Arms, in Bilton. At the end of the walk, those who wish to can congregate in a pub, or café, in time honoured fashion, along with the walk leader.
We will make a lunch stop along the way, although given the short days, at this time of year, this will have to be quite snappy.
Toilets
The nearest public toilets to the departure point are on the High Street at the bus station:
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/leisure-tourism-and-culture/public-toilets/public-toilets/bus-station-toilets-knaresborough
Alternatively, toilets are available at Castle Yard:
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/leisure-tourism-and-culture/public-toilets/public-toilets/castle-yard-toilets-knaresborough
Apart from those reasonably close to the start/end of the walk, there are no public toilets, directly along the route.
Parking
The following car parks are available:
Castle Yard
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/car-park-directory/car-park-directory/castle-yard-car-park-knaresborough
Chapel Street
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/car-park-directory/car-park-directory/chapel-street-car-park-knaresborough
Conyngham Hall
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/car-park-directory/car-park-directory/conyngham-hall-car-park-knaresborough
Waterside
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/car-park-directory/car-park-directory/waterside-car-park-knaresborough
York Place
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/car-park-directory/car-park-directory/york-place-car-park-knaresborough
Public Transport
Rail
Trains from Leeds to Knaresborough run along the Harrogate line
Buses
The 36 bus runs between Leeds and Harrogate. Variants of the number 1 bus travel between Harrogate and Knaresborough.
https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/the-harrogate-bus-company/
Knaresborough Railway Station, Station Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 9AA
