Nidd Valley & Villages | Saturday 24 April 2021


Walk Leader: Robert Cope
Participants: 8
Mileage: 18 miles
Ascent: 2,100 ft
Walk Report: Wendy Leete


A beautfiul and interesting walk in and around the Nidd Valley.  This small area is a hidden gem of paradise for walkers.  Leaving Ripley, a small, but very popular North Yorkshire village not far from Harrogate (it was historically part of the West Riding until 1974), we set off North on the Nidderdale Way.   Passing through a small wooded area we approached rough grassland to be met by the handsome highland cattle and their young.  They weren't interested in us though and our admiration was paid no heed.  Our first village was a small hamlet known as Shaw Mills and it was here that we left the Nidderdale Way and trekked on good footpaths/tracks to make our way to Summerbridge.  Picking up the river Nidd we skirted north of Darley then followed the Nidderdale Way to Birstwith and on to Hampsthwaite.  Climbing out of Hampsthwaite we followed a popular track back to Ripley via another wooded area, complete with a  colossal covering of bluebells....mmmmm that smell.  For those of us who wanted to linger a little bit more hung around with a lovely cuppa tea (or coffee).  Many thanks to our leader and visitors for a grand day out.

Photos by Robert Cope

Photos by Tony Jenner