Bilton (Harrogate) & the Nidd Gorge - 4.5 miles

I was looking for an excuse to patronise the wonderfully old Gardeners Arms and its large beer garden so what better way to build up a thirst than a saunter through the nearby Nidd Gorge with its sandy beaches!

The walk starts along Bilton Lane from the small car park close to the ‘no through road’ sign and where the line of houses comes to an end. If you see the pub, you’ve gone too far! There is roadside parking too and the postcode (of the pub) is HG1 4DH.

We walk further down the lane and then take a path leading us into the gorge for a very pleasant meander. The route brings us out by the viaduct from where we pick up the old railway trackbed to follow the now solid path back to our start point and welcome refreshment.

The walk will be led at a steady pace: not too fast, not too slow. Please be ready to start walking at the advertised time.

Walk fee: £2. No dogs please.

After-walk refreshment at the Gardeners Arms, which is a Sam Smiths pub, so (possibly) cash only.

I have no formal walk leader or first-aid qualifications and the Group does not have insurance. When you RSVP for any walk, you accept that you remain responsible for your own safety at all times. You are requested to respect the walk leader and be mindful of the safety of others. Please keep to the pace of the group and don’t go off ahead even if you think you know the route.