May is National Walking Month which means it’s the perfect opportunity to head out and discover the nature on your doorstep.
Descending from Dallowgill moor through Nidderdale National Landscape, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal and into the City of Ripon, the River Skell winds its way through a changing landscape. The Skell Valley is rich in wildlife, history and local heritage, and it’s waiting to be discovered.
Three new walking trails have been created to showcase the best of the Skell Valley – so walking boots on, cameras at the ready, it’s time to explore and discover more.
The Fountains Way The Fountains Way | Yorkshire | National Trust
From the cathedral City of Ripon to the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, this circular trail has an accessible route suitable for mobility vehicles and pushchairs.
Skell Valley Explorer Trail Skell Valley Explorer | Yorkshire | National Trust
A more challenging countryside trail around the villages of Grantley and Sawley, featuring Spa Gill Woods and Eavestone Lake. This trail can be split into two shorter walks if legs are getting tired:
- Sawley Loop
- A loop featuring Spa Gill Woods and the ruins of Aldfield Spa, where visitors from the late 1600’s sought out the healing powers of the water from its sulphur spring
- Grantley Loop
- A loop taking in Eavestone Lake, created in the early 1800’s by Lord Grantley, and the beautiful surrounding farmland
Hell Wath Nature Trail Hell Wath Nature Trail| Yorkshire | National Trust
Play, splash, scramble and explore! The Hell Wath Nature Trail in Ripon is perfect for families. What will you discover in and around this local nature reserve?
