1. Start at the war memorial in Howden market place, and head along Market Place passing the White Horse pub before turning right at the end of the road in to Bridgegate. After passing the white stone Press Association building, turn left along a road signposted for the Oaks Golf Club & Spa and Bubwith. Continue ahead along a wide pedestrian path, passing some new-build houses to the left.
2. Just before the 40 miles per-hour signs, turn left down a track which leads to a path next to a dyke.  The path is partly enclosed by trees, and is flat and easy to follow. Ignore a path to the right over the dyke, and bear left past a wooden way-marker post – for the Howden 20 trail. The path crosses a tiny wooden plank footbridge as the views begin to open up. Where the path meets another, cross a wooden footbridge following the Howden 20 trail sign, and then turn left before continuing ahead towards a farm with the dyke to the left and fields to the right.
3. Since leaving Howden, Izzy has been constantly off the lead. Just after the path crosses another dyke, turn right and walk alongside this dyke keeping it to the right. After a short while, turn 90-degrees left at a way-marker post and head towards another marker post just inside a gap in the Hawthorne hedge ahead.
4. Keep following the Howden 20 signs along the wide, green path – ideal romping ground for Pooch! With a field and the farm buildings seen earlier to the left, and a Hawthorne hedge to the right, continue ahead towards the tree-line. Where the path crosses a farm track, continue ahead on the path towards the trees, following a broken public footpath sign tied to a stone bollard. On reaching the trees – near a junction of paths, follow a way-marker and the Howden 20 sign to the right of a wooden gate, and to the left of a metal gate towards an enclosed footpath. In this area, dogs should be kept on the lead due to presence of ground nesting birds. Follow the way-marker to the right then turn left over a wooden footbridge into an open field.
5. Continue straight ahead, following the hedge-line on a clear path along the edge of the field to a wooden footpath sign next to the railway line, by a level crossing. At this point the Howden 20 route path crosses the railway line. Turn left and head along the wide, green farm track that runs up to the level crossing – with the cooling towers of Drax power station visible straight ahead in the distance. By a raised mound of land, bear right on to grassier path and head in the direction of a farm.
6. At an old way-marker post near the end of a dyke, turn left and walk alongside the dyke – keeping it to the right. Keep ahead then follow the tree-line along the edge of the field – passing a white and red gas pipe marker post to the right. Soon after, turn left along a green path cut into the field towards another old marker post in front of the trees. Continue on the path as it heads back towards the footbridge crossed earlier.
7. After re-crossing the footbridge head along the enclosed path, once again on the Howden 20 trail – and making sure dogs are on leads in the ground-nesting bird area. Having returned to the junction of paths, retrace the outward route back towards Howden and continue straight ahead along the track. Howden Minster is visible in the distance ahead. After passing the farm buildings – to the right this time, continue to the dyke and turn right, then left back to the footbridge crossed early in the walk.
8. Cross the bridge then continue straight ahead, along a wide, green path by the Howden Marsh Nature Reserve towards houses and trees. At a public footpath sign end of the path, turn left and head along the pavement by the road back in to Howden.

Photo Gallery

Show slideshow

Walk Map

1. Set off along the road and head towards the edge of the village with the duck pond to the right. Just before leaving the village, turn left through a metal gate at a public footpath sign next to a dog-waste bin, and head along a green enclosed track. Keep ahead on the track while ignoring gates on either side. Just before reaching a metal gate across the end of the track, climb a way-marked wooden stile in the hedgerow on the right – some dogs will need a helping hand, while others will go straight under it. The stile is also marked by a metal post which may once have had a sign attached to it.
2. Once on the other side, turn left and follow the path along the edge of the field – take care there may be cattle here. Climb a yellow way-marked stile – most dogs will have no problems with this one, and continue straight ahead on the path towards a gap in the hedge. There was once a stile here but not anymore, so continue through the opening into the next field and keep ahead on a green path towards another way-marked stile, which most dogs will easily pass through.  Continue on into the next field, sticking to the green path ahead towards a hedge with another way-marked stile – some dogs will need a hand over this one. Enter another field – this one may have crops growing in it, but there is a clear path through, towards the tree-line.
3.  After passing a yellow way-marker post, head towards a farm gate. Pass through it and then continue diagonally down-hill, looking for a faded way-marker on a large wooden gate in the right-hand corner of the field. Pass through the gate into the next field and follow the green track to the right and then towards the trees.  The track drops down-hill as it bears left, passing a yellow way-maker on a stump as it heads towards a gate with another yellow way-marker. Pass through the gate and continue slightly downhill, straight ahead towards the trees, before turning left on to a wide path down to a way-marked gate post.
4. Pass through the gate or over the stile next to it, and then continue to a way-marked wooden gate and a new stile which heads into the woods – most dogs will easily go under this stile.  The wide path now continues through the woods, and thanks to the occasional way-markers is easy to follow. Some sections of the woods are enclosed, while others are open but the path stays clear. After passing a sign for the Hackfall Woodland Trust, the River Ure comes into view from the right. Keep ahead, following the sign for Fisher’s Hall and ignoring the path (up the steps) to Mowbray Castle. As the path narrows and becomes rocky above the river below, duck-boards are provided and the way is partially blocked with boulders at one point. After crossing a stream using a line of stepping stones and ignoring a path up some steps to ‘Garden Features’, follow the yellow way-marker ahead on the path, as it heads slightly uphill. The river is still there to the right, and there are some pleasant views to be had.
5. Keep following the way-markers as the path undulates before dropping closer to the water level as the trees begin to thin out.  There is a beach like area by the river, which could be great opportunity for your Pooch to have a paddle! At a fork, take the left hand path following the way-marker towards the viewpoint. Continue uphill, winding round on the path to the top where there is a wooden carved seat – perfect for a well-deserved rest while taking in the views of the river and Masham in the distance.
6. Continue on the path downhill straight ahead, as it re-joins the alternative path along the river shore. Just before a wooden kissing gate by a dry-stone wall, turn left and follow the path uphill towards a car park. Pass through a new wooden kissing gate into a field and continue straight ahead on a wide, green path.  As the path climbs steadily, it follows a wire and post fence to the right, towards a new wooden gate and kissing gate. Pass through the gate on to an enclosed track, with a fence on one side and trees and bushes on the other.  Pass through another gate next to a stile near a car park, on to a quiet road.
7. Cross the road and turn left along it for a short distance, before turning right following a public footpath sign on to a track through the trees, in to the Swinton Estate Woodlands. The track is wide and easy to follow with a dry-stone wall to the left. Just before the track starts to climb uphill, follow a path on the left as it climbs steeply before quickly levelling out, heading towards the trees ahead.  Just inside the tree-line, turn left and head downhill along a path towards a small gate. Pass through it and enter the field, following the path uphill. Once at the top of the rise, turn left and head for the corner of the field where there is a broken way-marked stile – which no dogs will have a problem with. Cross the stile into the field and continue straight ahead, with the hedge-line to the left.
8. After a short while, cross a way-marked stile on the left – which most dogs will need help to get over, and head into another field, following the green diagonal path towards the telegraph poles. Make for another way-marked stile in the hedge ahead – some dogs will need help here, and keep going diagonally across the next field towards the trees. After crossing a broken down way-marked stile – all dogs will pass through this one, enter another field and head diagonally to the right, towards a gap in the dry-stone wall in the far corner of the field.
9. Pass through the gap and turn left on to a road. Initially using the wide grass verge next to the single track road, head back into Grewelthorpe. At the junction, follow the sign for Ripon up the hill and back towards the duck pond. There is a dog-waste bin opposite the church, and another by the duck pond.

The Gallery

Show slideshow

Walk Map

1. From the car park at the North York Moors Visitor Centre, cross the road following the footpath sign to Ainthorpe and pass through a gate with a yellow arrow and a fish symbol (Esk Valley walk). Head along the grassy path towards the trees ahead, then follow the yellow arrow and fish symbol past a statue of an ‘old man’ over a footbridge towards another gate. Continue on the path at the edge of a field as it bears slightly right and uphill towards the railway – the ‘Esk Valley’ line. After obeying the warning signs, cross the line and continue ahead along the wide, grassy path. At the corner of the field, pass through a gate and turn right along a quiet road, following the footpath sign to Ainthorpe.
2. Just after the road bends, follow a green and white public footpath sign on the left. Cross a small wooden footbridge and pass through a gate. The path is obvious as it heads along the edge of a field next to a hawthorn hedge. The views are lovely now and at the time of our visit, the purple heather was just starting to come through – and Izzy was off the lead here. Follow the path as it turns to the right and follow the yellow way-marker ahead on an old stile, keeping the hawthorn hedge to the left.
3. Continue ahead at the next way-marked stile – most dogs will be able to slip through it, and keep a stone wall to the right. Cross another stile – some dogs will appreciate a helping hand over this one and head along the enclosed path next to a dry-stone wall on the left. At the next stile – again some dogs will need a hand here, cross over and turn right on to a stony enclosed track towards the village of Ainthorpe.
4. At the road, turn left uphill past the dog-friendly Fox and Hounds Inn. Stay on the road as it leaves the village, but where it bears left follow the bridleway sign on the right pointing towards a path through a large way-marked gate on the edge of the moor.  The path continues across Ainthorpe Rigg – and is rugged in parts but does offer beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. There may be sheep or ground-nesting birds around, so be prepared to put your dog on the lead. The path climbs steadily and is easy to follow – as it passes occasional blue way-markers and tall stones, which act as guides when the weather is not so good. At a junction of paths keep straight ahead before dropping down into Little Fryup Dale. Before doing so, don’t forget to take a breather to enjoy the panoramic views!
5. The initially rugged path descends sharply, but soon turns grassy as it heads towards a road junction by a farm. There is a pleasant green area here with a bench – perfect for a tea and buns stop! Suitably refreshed, head along the road opposite the path from the Rigg and continue downhill next to a dry-stone wall on the left. After passing through a gate next to a cattle grid, look for a green and white public bridleway sign on the right pointing down a track to the left. Head down the track, following the sign for Stonebeck Gate Farm and Forester’s Lodge. Visible on the left is Ainthorpe Rigg, and the path down from the moor. Keep on the track as it bears left towards a farm house – following the yellow way-marker. Just before reaching the farm house turn right and follow another yellow way-marker through a gate into a field.
6. Bear left towards the corner of the farm buildings, then head diagonally and downhill towards a way-marked (arrow barely visible when we visited) wooden gate in a stone wall.  Follow a succession of way-markers as the path heads along the edge of the field next to a wire and post fence as it bears left and downhill towards a gate and some trees. Pass through the way-marked gate, cross a footbridge over Little Fryup Beck and continue along the clear track, enclosed by walls on each side – ideal conditions for well-behaved dogs to be allowed off-lead.
7. Pass through a large gate and continue on the track as it winds uphill towards a road – time for Pooch to be back on the lead. Turn right along the road (Castle Lane) and continue past Crossley Gate Farm towards the remains of Danby Castle. The views along this section are very pretty and the road is very quiet. Near the castle, turn right at the junction and continue along the road downhill towards the medieval (14^th century) packhorse bridge – Duck Bridge, by a ford in the River Esk. Continue on past the bridge, heading once again for Ainthorpe but just before entering the village, turn right through a gate into a field and follow the grassy path back towards the railway line. Again, after taking heed of the warning signs, cross the railway and head back along the path towards the North York Moors Visitor Centre.

The Gallery

Show slideshow

12►

Walk Map

1. From the main entrance to Ripon Cathedral in the centre of the city, walk down Bedern Bank and turn left at the roundabout.  Head over the bridge crossing the River Skell, then take an immediate left turn down a flight of steps to the concrete path on the river bank. Turn left and head along the path under the bridge. Continue along the path to the road at Bondgate Bridge. Cross the road and make for the gap on the other side to continue on the path with river once again to the right.
2. At the next bridge head for the pavement next to Williamson Drive. After a short while, pass through the gap in the stone wall near a dog-waste bin and follow the path under the next bridge – close to the river. With a children’s play area ahead, turn left towards some steps back up to the road then continue along the pavement for a short distance to the entrance to Borrage Green Lane – on the right.
3. Continue along Borrage Green Lane, soon passing another dog-waste bin. As the path becomes greener, the river is re-joined once again through the trees to the right – and weather permitting there are definite paddling and swimming opportunities here.
4. Cross the river at a way-marked footbridge and head along a concrete path at the edge of a park – now with the river on the left. There is another dog-waste bin here. Climb a flight of concrete steps and turn left, and then continue along the pavement next to a road following a line of trees on the left – also passing a weir. At the roundabout, turn left following the sign to Fountains Abbey, before crossing the road straight away to use the pavement on the other side.
5. Near the entrance to a caravan park, the road bends to the right. At this point, look for a public footpath sign for Studley Roger and Fountains Abbey on the other side of the road. Cross the road then pass through the kissing gate on to a path enclosed on each side by hedges. At the crossroads of paths keep straight ahead, this route is easy to navigate and being enclosed is safe for well-behaved dogs to be let off the lead. After passing through a wooden kissing gate, the path passes by some houses before reaching a road in Studley Roger village. Cross the road and head between two more houses along an inclined lane following a public footpath sign.  After a short while, the now flat gravel path becomes bordered on each side by wire and post fences as it heads towards a tall wooden gate with a hook-lock.
6. Pass through the gate, taking care to read any warning signs about the fawning season for deer (June to August) – and ensuring dogs are on short leads as appropriate. Head diagonally left along the grassy cut path before joining the tree-lined lane heading towards an obelisk.
7. With the monument straight in front head along the lane then turn left towards the lakeside car park. With the lake coming into view through the trees, bear left on to a path towards its left hand edge. Cross the wooden footbridge next to a weir and follow the path round before taking the left fork towards a stone footbridge.  There are plenty of paddling opportunities on this section as the path continually crosses the stream using stone footbridges. Keep to the path as it follows the stream and eventually head through a metal gate within a stone wall to leave Studley Royal Park.
8. At this point it is usually safe for well-behaved dogs to be off-lead again. Look out for a way-marked footbridge, approached by a few concrete steps on the right. Cross the stream one last time and head into the trees, following the path round to the right and passing a ford to the left. At a crossroads of paths take a sharp left, following a blue way-marker. After a short while follow another way-marker through a wooden gate out of the trees and into a field. Follow the grassy path as it bears left following the line of trees through the field – ignoring the metal gate and keeping to the left of it.
9. At the end of the field, pass through a gate and turn left on to a lane following a blue way-marker. Follow the quiet lane past Whitcliffe Hall Farm and Whitecliffe Grange Livery – enjoying panoramic views along the way including Ripon Cathedral and the city itself. At the end of the lane (where there is another dog-waste bin), cross over the road and turn left along the pavement at the edge of a residential area. After a short while, cross back over the road and head along a lane near a sign for Hell Wath Grove (don’t go right) – passing some football pitches on the right.
10. Ahead is a way-marked wooden gate with a dog-waste bin. Do not pass through the gate, instead turn right and head along a path through the trees.  Continue ahead on the path through a field – where the River Skell can be heard on the left, and stay ahead at the next fork keeping the trees to the left. Follow the path as it heads up a flight of wooden steps before dropping down to the River Skell again using some concrete steps – once again paddling and swimming opportunities here are plentiful!
11. When the fun is over, continue along the riverside path past the footbridge crossed earlier in the walk. Head back along Borrage Green Lane and the riverside paths to the start by the entrance to Ripon Cathedral.

The Gallery

Show slideshow

12►

Walk Map