Ripon Canal and Wetlands

This is an easy Leeds CHA C walk, with no climbing and only one stile. Mostly back roads, canal towpaths and tracks. The towpath can be muddy in places.
From Ripon bus station we descend past the cathedral down to the start of the canal, which links the city to the River Ure. We follow the towpath down past the racecourse and cross the canal to the lane leading to the pretty hamlet of Littlethorpe. At the other end of the village we take a lane that leads back to the canal at Rentons Bridge and follow the towpath back towards Ripon but divert and enter the Ripon City Wetlands Nature Reserve. The reserve consists of a number of old gravel pits which are a haven for migrating and native wetland bird species, including Bitterns. The reserve adjoins the racecourse and we emerge near the entrance to the course on Boroughbridge Road. From there we follow the canal back to Ripon and then up through the cathedral grounds.

There is no charge to attend the first three CHA walks, but to attend further walks we request that you join our club for an annual membership of only £6.00. This will give you access to an unlimited number of walks, social events, coach trips, and weekends away, in line with our parent club Leeds CHA Rambling & Social Club. for further details follow the link on this website.