Ripon & the rivers Skell & Ure - 5.5 miles

A pleasant, level and undemanding morning saunter. We start from the Town Hall end of the Market Square (see photo).

We soon descend into historic Kirkgate, which guides us towards the imposing façade of the Cathedral and from there, head down to pick up the riverside path along the river Skell. Passing by picturesque properties, we continue onto a wooded path and soon reach the point where the Skell meets the Ure.

A bit of field walking atop a low embankment, then we cross Hewick Bridge to pick up a path on the other side of the river before veering away across field tracks to arrive at the village of Sharrow, which has the one surviving ‘sanctuary cross’.

From Sharrow, we make our way over the North Bridge to pick up one final riverside trail and head back to the Cathedral area.

After-walk refreshment at the Unicorn Hotel (Wetherspoons) on the market square or alternatively, there are various tearooms available.

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. Bring snacks/drink with you for a morning break.

Start point: in the market square, in front of the Town Hall.

Parking. Two central car parks namely St. Marygate & Cathedral. The former costs a maximum of £2.40, the latter costs a maximum of £3. If you’re planning a quick getaway after the walk, you would only need to pay the four hour parking rate so it would be cheaper. St. Marygate is the lower level car park which is attached to the upper level Cathedral cp – this is the one right behind the shops with the toilet block. From here, walk through the arcade into the market square. Postcode is HG4 1LX/HG4 1QS – dependent on which website you look at!

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.