Ripon Rowel Walk
This is a circular walk around the Yorkshire city of Ripon, visiting South Stainley, Markington and Masham. Highlights of the walk include two delightful waterside sections - first along the Ripon Canal at the start of the walk at Ripon, then along the River Ure at Masham. The walk also visits the National Trust owned Studley Park and Fountains Abbey. A designated World Heritage Site which has an area of 323 hectares (800 acres) and features an 18th century landscaped garden, some of the largest Cistercian ruins in Europe, a Jacobean mansion and a Victorian church designed by William Burges. It was developed around the ruins of the Cistercian Fountains Abbey.
The walk also visits Eavestone Lake, the 18th century Newby Hall, Hackfall Woods and the splendid, moated 14th century house at Markenfield Hall.
You will also pass through the beautiful valleys of the Rivers Burn and Ure on this varied walk. Near the Ure you will find the pretty village of West Tanfield where you can take a small detour to visit the delightful Nosterfield Nature Reserve.
Ripon Rowel Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Ripon Rowel Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Ripon Rowel OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Ripon Rowel Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Near Masham you could stop off at the Black Swan at Fearby. They do great food and also provide good quality accommodation if you need to stay over. Inside there's an attractive olde interior with a number of aerial photographs on the wall. Outside there's a lovely patio area where you can enjoy view across the Dale. You can find the inn at Fearby near Masham, with a postcode of HG4 4NF for your sat navs.
The picturesque village of Bishop Monkton is a nice place to stop off on the trail. Here you'll find an historic old mill, a pretty stream and the Mason's Arms. They do very good food in a lovely setting in the village. There's also an outdoor area for finer days. You can find the pub at St John's Rd, Bishop Monkton with a postcode of HG3 3QU for your sat navs.
In West Tanfield there's The Bull Innto consider. The popular pub was the runner up in the Yorkshire's Favourite Pub competition in 2014 and 2015. The historic inn dates back to the 17th century with some sections formed from what was once the ferryman’s cottage. Outside there's a Garden Marquee and Terrace where you can enjoy outdoor dining all year round. The garden is right next to the River Ure so you can enjoy your meal with a fine view over the water. You can find them on Church Street at postcode HG4 5JQ for your sat navs. Near here you could take a stroll to the Marmion Tower a 15th-century gatehouse, three storeys high and with a beautiful oriel window. The site is owned by English Heritage and a good place to learn about some of the history of the village.
Dog Walking
The country trails and the woodland trails in Hackfall Woods are ideal for dog walking. The Black Swan and Mason's Arms pubs mentioned above are also dog friendly.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
A wintery scene on the trail, taken in December 2009. The photo shows the footbridge over the River Skell at Mackershaw.
Ripon Canal basin. The trail passes along the towpath and visits the attractive basin shown here. This photo was taken returning from the end of the canal aboard Narrowboat Allen. The end of canal was isolated for many years and the basin derelict. It has now been restored and at the time of the visit was the most northerly point on the connected English & Welsh canal network.
A public footpath, designated as part of the Ripon Rowel Walk, leaves the Bridleway close to Whitcliffe Lane en route to Markenfield Hall.
Bishop Monkton Mill. The former corn mill, situated at the eastern end of the village. A corn mill was originally built here in 1304, and was rebuilt after a fire in 1784. Constructed of local Magnesian limestone, the mill was converted into residential accommodation in 1993
This path between Burton Leonard and Bishop Monkton forms part of the circuit
Beside the River Ure. Part of the long distance walk beside the River Ure, close to its confluence with the River Burn.
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View of Masham Church, from footpath
