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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 download and follow one of the suggested routes below to discover some of the special qualities of the area:

Hartwith Heritage Walk  (PDF 347KB) - 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  (PDF 454KB) - 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  (PDF 230KB) - 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  (PDF 1,122KB) - 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.

 Photo: A woodland walk

 

Photo: Walkers in the Nidderdale AONB
 
Crackpots Mosaic Trail (PDF 1,001KB) - 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.
 
Sawley Circular Walk  (PDF 293KB) - 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.
 
Black Swan Pub Walk, Fearby  (PDF 136KB) - 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 (PDF 139KB) - 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  (PDF1,309KB) - 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. 
 
Jervaulx Circular Walk (PDF 116KB) - This stunning walk starts and ends at the fascinating ruins of Jervaulx Abbey. It takes you through stunning parkland, over lush pasture fields and through the historic village of Thornton Steward.
 
Fewston to Otley (PDF 59KB) - This is a very pleasant walk following the river Washburn taking in two reservoirs, Swinsty and Lindley Wood. The walk passes through pasture and woodland following the river down the Washburn Valley.
 
Pateley Bridge Circular (PDF 109.5KB) - Starting from the pretty market town of Pateley Bridge this varied walk passes through Brimham Rocks amazing geological formations approximately 320 million years old before dropping down into Low Laithe. The route passes through woodland and rolling fields, providing delightful views across the valley. 
 
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 - Yorkshire Water have developed a series of circular walks around many of the reservoirs in the AONB. For more information on these please visit the Yorkshire Water website.