Below are a selection of walks that take in some of the best scenery that Nidderdale has to offer. The walks in the guide have all been prepared by the Hainge family. The walks can be used in combination to make longer routes and suggestions for doing this can be found in the individual walk descriptions.
Each of the walks includes a map of the route along with a brief description. However these should not be relied upon solely for navigation and the guides should be used in conjunction with OS Explorer Map 298 - Nidderdale. A gpx route file of each route can also be downloaded for use with mobile apps and GPS devices.
Walk 1 - Summerbridge
Description - A 7.5km walk through agricultural land using footpaths and tracks with virtually no road walking. It can be muddy in sections, especially when going through farmyards so stout footwear is advised.
Grade - Suitable for cub age upwards with only 160 metres of climbing.
Download file for GPSFROM: Campsite Start Point B: 179593
TO: Darley Mill 174597
Take the footpath from the top right of Cat Crag Ridge which leaves the site from a stile just past site 3. The path goes downhill along the field edges to a road. Turn left along the road for 150 metres when a stile is reached on the right. Turn right over the stile. The footpath goes straight across the field to another stile and then follows the field edges to a small wood and stream. Take the bridge over the stream and turn immediately left. Continue to the road and turn left to Darley Mill.
FROM: Darley Mill 174597
TO: Summerbridge 200623
After crossing the beck turn right through a stile in the wall. After 100 metres Low Hirst farm is reached. Note the footpath goes to the right of the farm, not to the left as shown on the map. The section through the farmyard is very muddy. The path now follows the steam for two fields. At the corner of the second field turn right through the stile and then turn immediately left. After 8 metres turn left again over the stile in the field corner. Follow the stream and you will see the railway arch the path passes under. After going under the arch cross the stile to arrive at the river. DO NOT CROSS THE RIVER. Turn left and follow the riverside footpaths all the way to Summerbridge.
At this you can continue with this walk or take either of the options below
- Extend the walk by using Walk 1B making it a total of 20km for the full circuit and more suitable for Scouts upwards. You could also finish at Pateley Bridge and catch the bus back to Dacre or Darley Mill
- Walk to Pateley Bridge via Brimham Rocks using Walk 1C making a 20km walk. You could then finish at Pateley Bridge or use Walk 1B and 1 to return to Thornthwaite if feeling really energetic.
FROM: Summerbridge 200623
TO: Junction of Monk-Ing Road and Lane Foot Road 183185
Turn left along the road immediately after the garage and then turn right along Cabin Lane. Turn left at the track junction. The lane then turns right and goes uphill past the Grange and on through the farmyard.. Follow the yellow way markers through the farmyard and then turn right uphill keeping the wall on the right until a track is reached. Turn right along the track, at the top of the first slight rise turn left along another track towards a farm. The path goes through the farmyard forks to the right and continues uphill bearing slightly right and a waymarked track to the top.
The path continues across the fields to Monk Ing Road and although waymarked. It can be confusing and it is best the check with your map if at all in doubt. Continue along Monk Ing Road Road to the junction with with Lane Foot Road. Do not turn right along the Nidderdale Way.
At this point Walk 1B rejoins this walk.
FROM: Junction Monk Ing Road and Lane Foot Road: 183185
TO: Campsite
Continue along Monk Ing Road past Corner House and on to a farm, the path following the field walls. Here the path has been diverted past the back of the farm. After the diversion the path continues along the track to the minor road.
Cross the road and go through th stile opposite. After crossing the stile you will see some large angular rocks in in the field ahead of you. Head for the boulder that is about the size of a small garden shed. On reaching the boulder, head for the communication tower on the far horizon. This will bring you to a wire fence, which you follow down to a gate and stile. Go over the stile and then down the road to Thornthwaite.
