Harrogate to Knaresborough Walk
A popular riverside walk between these two attractive Yorkshire towns. The route uses a section of the Harrogate Ringway to take you along the River Nidd and through the Nidd Gorge. On the way you will pass the Nidd Viaduct, old mills and rushing weirs. Look out for a variety wildlife such as tawny owl, roe deer, woodpeckers and herons on the water.
The route starts in Harrogate town centre and heads north to pick up the Harrogate Ringway waymarked trail. You continue north towards Knox where you turn east through Bilton to the Nidd Viaduct.
You then enter the Nidd Gorge where the river enters a deep ravine with sheer, tree covered valley sides. The gorge makes up approximately 3 miles of the entire length of the river and stretches from the Nidd Viaduct to Grimbald Bridge, just south of Knaresborough.
At the end of the walk you can catch the train directly back to Harrogate or you could continue along the Harrogate Ringway.
In Knaresborough you can pick up the Knaresborough Round to continue your walking in the area. The 20 mile circular walk takes you on a tour of the countryside, lakes, rivers, woodland and villages surrounding the historic Yorkshire town.
Harrogate to Knaresborough Ordnance Survey Map 
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Harrogate to Knaresborough Open Street Map 
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Harrogate to Knaresborough OS Map 
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Harrogate to Knaresborough Open Street Map 
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Pubs/Cafes
In the little village of Old Bilton you could stop for some refreshments at the Gardeners Arms. The classic old pub has some features like wainscotting, stone flags, and stone fireplaces still remaining. There's also a nice large garden area to sit out in when the weather is fine. You can find the pub on Bilton Lane with a postcode of HG1 4DH for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
If you have time we recommend exploring the splendid Knaresborough Castle. The 12th century castle sits in a fine location, next to the river, just south of the train station. For a fee you can explore the interior of the castle and visit the interesting museum which details the history of the castle. The grounds include pretty gardens, attractive lawns, a bowling green and a putting green are free to access. From the castle's elevated position there are also fine views over the surrounding area.
Just to the south of the town there's Rudding Park to see. The park includes a Grade I listed Regency-style country house, a spa and an 18-hole golf course in the 18th-century parkland. You can stay at the hotel and enjoy a popular spa day here. In this area you'll also enjoy walks along the Crimple Valley Beck to the impressive Crimple Railway Viaduct.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Nidderdale Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
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Nidd Gorge Viaduct on the former Harrogate to Ripon railway
Weir in Nidd Gorge
Weir on the Nidd. This section of the Nidd is to the north of Harrogate in the Nidd Gorge.
Willow on the River Bank, Knaresborough
Nidd at Scotton Mill
Scotton Mill Weir
Bilton Beck
Burgess Bridge near Knaresborough.