Middleham - 7.5 miles

Second run-out for this walk. Middleham is primarily known for two things: horse racing and its Castle - as illustrated on the cover photo! The small market town is situated on the A6108 between Jervaulx & Leyburn.

This walk starts from outside the Richard lll pub opposite the market square/Swine Cross. Roadside parking opposite our meeting place (for a donation in the yellow box) and roadside parking in various places, wherever you can! Car sharing is highly recommended for this one.

Toilets are available (20p) under the archway to the left of the pub.

Our route takes in riverside & woodland trails, quiet roads & access tracks, grassy tracks & field crossings. Highlights include the river Cover, Hullo Bridge, Braithwaite Hall, a hidden waterfall, landscaped gardens, The Gallops and of course the Castle, which we see from close quarters at the start of the walk and from different vantage points towards the end.

One field of horses (surprise!) on the recce.

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: £3. No dogs please. Bring packed lunch/drink/snacks with you.

After-walk refreshment: choice of Richard lll pub or the nearby Castle Keep tea room.

Background info
When Richard lll died at the battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, Middleham lost one of its favourite residents. Richard had lived there in the household of the Earl of Warwick (‘The Kingmaker’) when a boy and set up home here with the Earl’s daughter Anne after their marriage. As Duke of Gloucester, it was his power base as effective ruler of the North under his brother Edward lV.
Middleham is the home of famous racehorses. More than 500 horses train in Middleham under the watchful eyes of 13 trainers. Low Moor (The Gallops) has been used for exercise for more than 300 years. The information board in the town centre advises the population of Middleham comprises 870 people and 500 horses!

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 required 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.