Nidderdale Way Walk

in Harrogate in Ripley, North Yorkshire in Summerbridge, North Yorkshire

The Nidderdale Way is a circular walk which explores the valley and uplands of the Nidderdale areas.

Brimham Rocks

The Route

  • Start Point: Hampsthwaite
  • Finish Point: Hampsthwaite
  • Distance: 53

GPX Route Map

Download file for GPS

Walk Description

what3words for start point: ///inclined.canoe.campus

The Nidderdale Way is a circular walk which explores the valley and uplands of the Nidderdale areas.

It can be started at any point but many start from Hampsthwaite just north of Harrogate and head west towards upper Nidderdale by following the River Nidd upstream. the route goes through Birstwith, Swarcliffe, Darley, Dacre Banks and Summerbridge before leaving the river and climbing to High Shaw, Abraham Crags and High Crags where there are stunning views down to Nidderdale from Yorke’s Folly.

The route continues onto Bewerley and heads down to the east side of Gouthwaite Reservoir. Leaving the reservoir side near Ramsgill the walk heads deep into upper Nidderdale via Stean Gorge and Middlesmoor to Scar House Reservoir. The route continues south along the valley on paths and trails by the east side of Gouthwaite Reservoir again but this time in the downstream direction close to Pateley Bridge.

Then more low moor paths are followed to the south of the spectacular Brimham Rocks before continuing to Shaw Mills and then to Ripley. A short walk back to Hampsthwaite then completes the stunning circular walk.  

Related Accommodation

The accommodation below is nearby - and has been updated recently.

The Harrogate Inn

1 Ripon Rd, Harrogate, HG1 2SY, United Kingdom
Picture of Shelbourne House

Shelbourne House

Shelbourne House, 78 Kings Road, Harrogate, HG1 5JX, United Kingdom
Picture of Wynnstay House

Wynnstay House

60 Franklin Road, Harrogate, HG1 5EE, United Kingdom

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