Loop - Autumn Walk -Richmond, Easby Abbey, Richmond Falls & Castle - 11mi/17.5km

Start Time: 9:45am
Miles/Kilometres: 11mi/17.5km (Approx)
Total ascent: 370m (Approx)
Difficulty: Moderate.
Estimated length of time: 5 hours (including a lunch break)
Dogs Allowed: Yes.
Public Transport: No - happy to give a lift from Sowerby Bridge, Halifax, Brighouse and Leeds city centre.
Parking: There are car parks at the start point but the biggest and easiest to park at will be - https://maps.app.goo.gl/9Y5CxBZ9h9zbGLq89.
Payment: £1 for the walk - Use this link to pay: https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1 - please put "Richmond" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet around the obelisk thing in the market square (opposite the church). The walk starts by walking out of the market square via Finkle Street, down Newbiggen, briefly along the A6108 until we can join Westfields. It is then along this road which turns into a country road for 1mi/1.6km through the countryside looking up Swaledale.

We veer off onto a footpath that ascends steadily up onto the hillside and then onto the cliffs of Whitcliffe Scar for views of lower Swaledale. We continue along the clifftops and then take a farm access road down into the valley, now walking beneath Whitcliffe Scar. We take a footpath through fields and then alongside the River Swale, through fields and woodland until we reach the A6108.

We cross over into more woodland and then walk through a car park to take a footbridge over the river into the woodland on the other side. It is then a mixture of woodland and fields, cross over the road Slee Gill, walk alongside the River Swale. You'll hear and see the tops of Richmond Falls but we will veer off from them for now. We cut through some fields to the A6136 and walk down it briefly to The Station (what was Richmond's Train Station, now converted into a museumn and cafe I think).

We cut through to what was the railway line, now converted to foot/cyclepath and walk along here for a while, over a bridge taking us over the river. Then down Love Lane which comes out at Easby Abbey. The abbey is free entry, we will wonder around it for a bit before heading off again.

We then follow a mixture of footpath and road along the River Swale, to Richmond Falls. Once ready to continue its a short but steep ascent up to the Castle entrance. The walk ends by walking along the castle walkway around the castle and then back into the Market Square. If anyone wants to we can go back to the castle and pay to go inside, I highly recommend it and going to the top of the tower.

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.