Loop - Autumnal Walk, Knaresborough, Ripley Castle, Nidd Gorge - 12.5mi/19.5km

Start Time: 9:45am
Miles/Kilometres: 12.5mi/19.5km (Approx)
Total ascent: 275m (Approx)
Difficulty: Hard (due to distance) little to no ascent.
Estimated length of time: 5-6 hours (including a lunch break)
Dogs Allowed: Yes.
Public Transport: Yes train leaves Leeds at 8:59am arriving at 9:43am.
Parking: There are a few car parks in Knaresborough, take your pick. Park at the station at your own risk of a fine.
Payment: £1 for the walk - Use this link to pay: https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1 - please put "Knaresborough" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet outside the station & the Mitre Inn, where if getting the train from Leeds you'd exit the platform. The walk starts by walking down the cobblestone street called Water Wag Bank to the road Waterside, along here and then over High Bridge to cross the River Nidd.

We follow a footpath along the otherside of the river and then veer off through woodland and fields until we come out onto Bilton Lane. We walk down this country road with trees either side for 1.5mi/2.4km until we can veer off onto a disused railway line that has been converted into a footpath/cycleway.

We walk down this briefly and turn off through woodland going around the outskirts of Harrogate's suburbs. Until we have to take a short walk through the suburbs to Knox Lane. We walk along this country road briefly, cut up Knox Mill Bank to take a footpath between the houses here to the fields behind them. We walk through many fields, a few farms and a bit of woodland until we come out onto Ripon Road (A61).

We cross over and follow the footpath on the otherside alongside the road to Ripley village car park. Walk through here into the village and head to the castle, where we will stop for lunch and explore the castle and village. May take a short detour down to the lake for a group photo with the lake and castle.

Once ready we retrace our steps back to where we crossed the A61, cross back over and then join the disused railway line again from earlier and follow this now all the way back to the River Nidd and into woodland. We cross over the river and then follow footpaths alongside the river and through woodland, heading through Nidd Gorge. We cut up and over a small hill and follow the footpath through woodland back to the main path we started on.

The walk ends by retracing our steps back into Knaresborough. We can then go and explore Knaresborough and get a group photo from the castle overlooking the river and viaduct. Once ready, we can go find a place to eat & drink before heading home.

Disclaimers

The walk organisers do not have training or insurance. Therefore, anyone who joins the walk is accountable for their own safety and anyone they bring with them. By signing up you accept this.
Check the weather (on multiple websites) before leaving your residence. Bring clothing & footwear suitable for the forecast. We advise you to bring walking boots for any medium or harder walk. Trainers are only recommended for leisurely and easy walks. Bring a coat just in case (this is Britain after all...) and extra layers if it is going to be cold.
All proceeds go towards equipment for leading walks, group events & trips. A percentage will go to charities.
Bring a packed lunch and snacks. Bring enough food & water to last the estimated time.
We recommend bringing some cash just in case. Especially if parking. Not everywhere is contactless yet.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the walks organiser.