Ripon Rowel

N Yorkshire

This route is an elongated long loop around the lower Ure valley, starting and finishing in the ancient city of Ripon, and following recognised public rights of way and permissive paths.

The route visits villages, historic sites, wooded valleys, rivers, lakes and streams. Particular highlights are Markenfield Hall, the romantic and magnificent Fountains Abbey, Studley Water Gardens and Park and the beautiful St Mary's Church. There are visits to the tranquil River Skell's Valley of the Seven Bridges and to Eavestone Lakes, Dallowgill, Ilton-Cum-Pot, a 'Druids' Temple', and Hackfall Woods.

The route is generally well-signposted, although a map and/or GPS unit are essential.

The fact that much of the route follows river valleys means that some sections of path may be underwater following heavy rain; appropriate footwear should be worn. In particular, the section of path between SE 3295 6620 and SE 3406 6686 (Bishop Monkton) may be avoided by following the adjacent quiet country lane.

The farmyards at SE 2011 7448 (Swetton) and SE 2380 6818 (Gowbusk) are often muddy, but can easily be avoided by following alternative paths. The farm dogs at Swetton can be noisy; walkers who are nervous of dogs may wish to use an alternative route at this point.

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Details:

Path Type:	Paths Marked on OS mapping
Waymark:	Rowel logo - circular part of a spur
Attributes:	Average Gradients Moorland River World Heritage Site Heritage
Start and Finish:	SE314711 - Ripon, N Yorkshire
Open Date:	11/04/1996
Web Sites:	Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels Walking Britain - Ripon Rowel Walk Leg 1 - Ripon to South Stainley Walking Britain - Ripon Rowel Walk Leg 2 - South Stainley to Sawley Walking Britain - Ripon Rowel Walk Leg 3 - Sawley to Ilton Walking Britain - Ripon Rowel Walk Leg 4 - Ilton to Grewelthorpe Walking Britain - Ripon Rowel Walk Leg 5 - Grewelthorpe to Ripon

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Publications, Badges and Certificates:

Guidebook	Ripon Rowel Walk  (Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels  - Revised 2015 )
Badge	Badge for Ripon Rowel  (Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels )

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