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Walking

There are 820 km of public footpaths and bridleways in the AONB. From long distance routes to easy strolls there is something to suit everyone's ability and interest. Why not follow one of the suggested routes below to discover some of the special qualities of the area:
 
 Photo: Walkers in the Nidderdale AONB  Photo: A woodland walk
    
Hartwith Heritage Walk -  A 7-mile walk tracing the agricultural and industrial heritage of Hartwith Parish including iron age circles, a monk's wall and an old pack horse route. 
 
Dacre Walls Walk - This 5.5-mile route takes you through the ancient enclosures in Dacre Parish where you will discover the area's history written in stone. Stone in some of the walls is thought to be the result of prehistoric field clearance.
 
Bewerley Industrial Heritage Trail - Explore almost a thousand years of lead mining history on this 8-mile walk through stunning scenery. The route passes by a hand-cut level, the remains of old smelt mills and a unique C19 lime kiln.
 
Masham Leaves Walk - An easy 3-mile circular walk around a sculpture trail with works by Alan Ayres, supported by Common Ground. Starting from Masham town centre this delightful walk meanders through pastures and woodlands alongside the Rivers Ure and Burn.
 
Crackpots Walk - Follow a 6.5-mile route waymarked by mosiac panels created by villagers from nearby Kirkby Malzeard. The walk goes over open moorland with great views over the Vale of York in the east, and through hidden valleys with mixtures of deciduous and coniferous wodland.
 
The Sawley Circular Walk - With a short or long option (3 or 5.5 miles) this walk is a perfect opportunity to explore the eastern edge of the AONB. Starting and finishing in the picturesque village of Sawley, the route includes a number of historically interesting features including Fountains Abbey.
 
Fearby Pub Walk - Starting and finishing at the Black Swan Inn you can choose between short
(3 miles) or long (8 miles) routes.Both provide an opportunity to explore Colsterdale, a remote and unspoilt valley in the north western corner of the AONB.
 
Thruscross Pub Walk - Starting and finishing at the Stone House Inn this 5.5-mile walk affords superb views of Thruscross reservoir constructed in the 1960's. When water levels are low, you can very occasionally see the remains of the former landscape, complete with farmsteads and village church.

Kirkby Malzeard Pub Walk - Starting and finishing at the Henry Jenkins Inn this 4-mile walk takes in the site of a C12 castle and St Andrew's church, built around 1150. 
 
Nidderdale Way - The Nidderdale Way is a 53-mile circular walk starting and finishing in Pateley Bridge.  The route follows well used public footpaths, bridleways and roads and has its own unique symbol, which you will see on some finger posts and waymarks along the way. 
 
Yorkshire Water Reservoir Walks
 
Non Themed Walks
Fewston to Otley.  PDF 59KB
Pateley Bridge Circular.  PDF 109.5KB