Guidebook for North Yorkshire

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Fountains Abbey, Aldfield, North Yorkshire HG4 3DY Tel: 01765 608 888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk A dramatic 12th century ruin, these are some of the largest monastic ruins in the country. Set amidst remarkable surroundings in the Valley of the River Skell the Abbey is a wonderful place to explore. Attached to the Abbey is the Studley Royal water garden, an addition to the grounds made in the 1700s , which contain ponds and canals amongst the ancient trees and pathways. There are various events and tours held throughout the year, so it’s worth checking up on what’s going on before you go.

WALKS Masham Leaves Starting in the village of Masham the three mile walk has various points of interests along the way, including especially commissioned sculptures, names the “Masham Leaves”. These are made of local limestone from the old Railway platform, and the project of placing them was a community undertaking. Following public footpaths through open land, woods and riverbanks using the ‘leaves’ as markers this is a beautiful and interesting walk. Dacre Walls Walk Dacre is not far from Harrogate itself, in the outlying area around Darley Village. This is a 5 ½ mile walk that takes in the historic dry stone walls of the area. Probably a walk for more serious walkers, due to its length and location. A real chance to explore the traditional side of the dales and appreciate the agricultural way of life. Blubberhouses Tree Trail An informative and attractive walk, the Blubberhouses Tree Trail teaches you about the different types of trees, their age and even why there were planted. It is a varied walk in terms of landscape and takes you around Thruscross reservoir and through local woodland. An advantage of this walk is that it retains its beauty and interest in any season, although autumn being a particularly pretty time. Quite a good walk for bad days as there well kept paths. The Crackpots Mosaic Trail This is a 6 ½ mile walk around Dallowgill. The focal point of the walk is the series of 22 mosaics that were made as part of a community project to celebrate the area as one of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They depict local scenes as well as flora and fauna many of which you will be able to see for yourself along the way. Though this is a long walk there is plenty of interest to see on the way and a walker’s pub. The Drover’s Inn, half way through, where you can stop for refreshments, the Drovers is not open on Mondays. A very popular walk, highly recommended by local people, however do not attempt in bad weather. Brimham Rocks A great place to go for a casual walk which children and dogs would enjoy as well! With curious rock formation scattered over 50 miles of moorland, Brimham is great for climbing, exploring and just wandering around. You set the length and how much you want to do and see, there is a café and refreshments. There are charges for parking, Brimham Rocks is under the National Trust Scheme. For further information on more walks and all of the above please visit Harrogate Tourist Information on https://www.visitharrogate.co.uk