Nidderdale Way: Pateley Bridge to How Stean Gorge
The Nidderdale Way is a 53-mile long distance walk running all the way from Ripley, near Harrogate, to Scar House Reservoir at the very top of the Dale, and back again. Originating from the Celtic word meaning ‘bright’ or ‘shining’, the Nidd does indeed live up to its name throughout its beautiful journey.
This walk samples one of the most picturesque sections of the Nidd, following it upstream from the former market town of Pateley Bridge to How Stean Gorge, with our private minibus at the end enabling a longer linear walk without the transport worries.
After our initial riverside stroll to Wath we reach the huge Victorian dam at Gouthwaite where expansive views open out across the reservoir and nature reserve, with its variety of bird life present year-round.
Passing through the picturesque hamlet of Ramsgill with its pretty village green and the legacies of its historical owners, the Yorke family, our route takes us through farmland with lovely views across the valley and the village of Lofthouse where the river actually disappears underground!
After finding out a bit more about the Saxon, Monastic and industrial influences on this small corner of Nidderdale, our walk concludes at the impressive How Stean Gorge where you can explore this limestone ravine and its accessible caves or simply enjoy a nice cuppa in the welcoming café, before our minibus drops us back in Pateley Bridge.
7 miles (11.5km) with 765 feet (230m) of ascent and 500 feet (150m) of descent
Ascents and descents are mostly fairly steady through farmland and good tracks.
This is primarily a valley walk but waterproofs and spare warm clothing should still be carried year round, and walking boots should be worn as we will encounter some uneven and muddy ground. Insect repellent is recommended for the reservoir section.
Public transport is available to Pateley Bridge from Harrogate, see www.yorkshiretravel.net.
This walk samples one of the most picturesque sections of the Nidd, following it upstream from the former market town of Pateley Bridge to How Stean Gorge, with our private minibus at the end enabling a longer linear walk without the transport worries.
After our initial riverside stroll to Wath we reach the huge Victorian dam at Gouthwaite where expansive views open out across the reservoir and nature reserve, with its variety of bird life present year-round.
Passing through the picturesque hamlet of Ramsgill with its pretty village green and the legacies of its historical owners, the Yorke family, our route takes us through farmland with lovely views across the valley and the village of Lofthouse where the river actually disappears underground!
After finding out a bit more about the Saxon, Monastic and industrial influences on this small corner of Nidderdale, our walk concludes at the impressive How Stean Gorge where you can explore this limestone ravine and its accessible caves or simply enjoy a nice cuppa in the welcoming café, before our minibus drops us back in Pateley Bridge.
7 miles (11.5km) with 765 feet (230m) of ascent and 500 feet (150m) of descent
Ascents and descents are mostly fairly steady through farmland and good tracks.
This is primarily a valley walk but waterproofs and spare warm clothing should still be carried year round, and walking boots should be worn as we will encounter some uneven and muddy ground. Insect repellent is recommended for the reservoir section.
Public transport is available to Pateley Bridge from Harrogate, see www.yorkshiretravel.net.