Walks in Nidderdale
Brimham Rocks, one of the many delights to see in Nidderdale
Brimham Rocks, one of the many delights to see in Nidderdale
Nidderdale is well known in North Yorkshire as the forgotten Yorkshire Dale, and while it missed out on being included in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1994. In addition to Nidderdale itself, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty includes upper Nidderdale, the Washburn Valley, and part of lower Wensleydale, including Jervaulx Abbey and the side valleys west of the River Ure. There are many fabulous walks to be enjoyed in the area, including the Nidderdale Way and the western part of the Ebor Way which runs to York. Notable highlights include Brimham Rocks, Scar House Reservoir, Middlesmoor, How Stean Gorge, Lofthouse, the area around Pateley Bridge, and the Upper Washburn. It is simply a wonderful place to visit, and walking is the best way to enjoy its rich and varied countryside. These pages include walks in Nidderdale and in the nearby Washburn Valley area.
Nidderdale Walking Routes Index
| Walk Route | Miles | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Swinsty Reservoir
Easy
|
3.1 | I love this particular reservoir walk in autumn. However, it has variety and is a great walk all year round. |
|
Fewston Reservoir
Easy
|
3.7 | The complete reservoir perimeter walk in all of the Lower Washburn Valley area. |
| 4.4 | A fantastic walk in the Masham area and in lush Lower Wensleydale to a remarkable folly. | |
| 4.7 | Walk from the village of Timble to Swinsty Reservoir, a perfect Sunday stroll. | |
| 6.7 | A spectacular section of the River Ure is followed on this great route near Masham. | |
|
Crackpots Mosaic Trail
Moderate
|
7.0 | A walk to find 22 mosaic tiles in the countryside east of Kirby Malzeard Moor and Dallowgill Moor. |
| 7.1 | A walk with stunning views to experience, and on a quiet moor too. | |
| 7.8 | A lovely circular walk in central Nidderdale which is steeped in history. | |
| 8.0 | A nice walk in the Lower Washburn Valley which affords great views of the surrounding countryside. | |
| 8.0 | A walk in a white winter blanket to two of Nidderdale's best. | |
| 8.3 | This is a quiet moorland walk from Skyreholme Bank which includes some easy right-to-roam challenges. | |
| 8.5 | A walk which visits delightful villages to the north of Harrogate. There is also a lovely section of river walking to enjoy. | |
| 8.6 | A walk from Brimham Rocks to Pateley Bridge and the River Nidd, exploring Nidderdale countryside and villages. | |
| 8.8 | Best in late summer when the heather is in blossom, this is a wonderful moorland and valley circular. | |
| 9.0 | Walk in wonderful meadow and moorland and visit the industrial past. | |
| 9.3 | Walk along the upper River Nidd and then onto the moors above the reservoirs of Scar House and Angram. | |
|
Dallow Moor and Dallowgill Moor
Moderate
|
10.2 | A wonderful moorland walk close to Ripon and Pateley Bridge. |
| 10.4 | A tough moorland walk for determined walkers as there are sections off route on tough ground. | |
| 10.5 | A walk in Upper Nidderdale, featuring moorland edges and Scar House Reservoir and with a walk along How Stean Beck. | |
| 12.0 | A walk in awful weather but made Brimham Rocks an eerie sight. | |
| 12.0 | This challenging walk from Lofthouse is to the high moors on the south side of Nidderdale's watershed. | |
| 14.4 | A demanding walk from Middlesmoor across Riggs Moor to Great Whernside. Return via the source of the Nidd. |
Feedback and Suggestions
I am always pleased to receive feedback on the structure and content of the website. I also welcome suggestions on how I can improve the website which may include new areas to cover, new walks or route alterations to existing walks. To get in touch with feedback and/or suggestions please contact me on one of my social media links. Thank you.
(Note: Walking without proper preparation can be dangerous. Information and downloads on this website are provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check the material and use accordingly. Postscript: My walk reports are not route guides and should not be treated as such. They are written with personal reflections of my walks.)
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