Weekend Walk: Pateley Bridge Circular

Pateley Bridge is the capital of Nidderdale and starting point for a number of excellent walks.
Pateley Bridge High StreetPateley Bridge High Street
Pateley Bridge High Street

Indeed, the town has established a fine walking festival, which this year takes place between 21st and 24th September. The most popular route is the locally signposted Panorama Walk, which climbs uphill from the top of the High Street to provide good views over the dale. Our route joins it for the final stretch back into town. The outward section follows the River Nidd to the village of Glasshouses, dominated by an old flax and twine mill. After crossing the route of the dismantled Nidd Valley Railway the route ascends the northern slopes of Nidderdale to return through fields and quiet back lanes. Watch for kingfishers on the river, little owls and kestrels on farmland.

1. Go to the foot of Pateley Bridge High Street and just before the bridge turn left past Wildings Tea Room to find a path running eastwards along the riverbank. Follow this section of the Nidderdale Way and Six Dales Trail to Glasshouses, passing Glasshouses Dam on the right just before the village.

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2. On reaching the road turn right for a short distance but don’t cross the bridge. Take a path on the left which continues along the north side of the River Nidd. After passing a section of the Nidd Valley Railway turn left at a footbridge and follow the field path up to the B6165 Pateley-Harrogate road.

The River Nidd slides secretly through Nidderdale.The River Nidd slides secretly through Nidderdale.
The River Nidd slides secretly through Nidderdale.

3. Cross the road with care and take the path on the other side running up a long field. Go left at the end to follow a tree-lined path up to a minor road. Continue ahead for a short distance then turn right on a farm access road. Pass Kiln House and swing left between buildings on the bridleway to White Houses farm.

4. On meeting the Nidderdale Way at a junction of tracks swing sharp left and follow it along the hillside. It emerges on a steep bend of a minor road above Raikes. Turn right and walk uphill a short distance then go left to continue the Nidderdale Way past the hamlet of Blazefield.

5. Turn left on the B6265 and walk downhill to run right on a good bridleway. Pass Knottside Farm to join the splendid Panorama Walk, above the steep slopes of Ripley Bank. At the bottom go right and follow the road left to descend Pateley Bridge High Street.

Difficulty Rating: 3 stars

The bridge over the River Nidd at Pateley Bridge.The bridge over the River Nidd at Pateley Bridge.
The bridge over the River Nidd at Pateley Bridge.

Time: 3 hours

Distance: 6 miles

Maps: OS Explorer (1:25000) 298 Nidderdale

Parking: Pay and display, Pateley Bridge

The River Nidd slides secretly through Nidderdale.The River Nidd slides secretly through Nidderdale.
The River Nidd slides secretly through Nidderdale.
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Public transport: Pateley Bridge is on the 24 bus route from Harrogate Bus Station, and also served by the 823/825 Nidderdale Rambler service from Selby, Tadcaster, Wetherby and Harrogate on spring and summer Sundays and Bank Holidays. See www.dalesbus.org for details.

Refreshments and toilets: Pateley Bridge

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