Walk Details
Ripon is a small but beautiful mediaeval city in North Yorkshire. It’s probably best known for its cathedral, the race course and its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Studley Royal Park and Fountains Abbey.
Our walk today, that is wheelchair friendly, starts in the canal basin that’s just a short distance from the centre of the city. The canal was built by engineer John Smith, in 1769, to link the city of Ripon with the River Ure at Oxclose Lock giving access to both York and the seaport of Hull.
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By the 1900’s, with other modes of transport used for moving goods, the canal was neglected. But thanks to some funding from English Partnerships, in 1996 the Ripon Canal Society set about restoring and reopening the canal. It is now used for pleasure purposes and is home to a wealth of wildlife including cormorants, kestrels and owls.
It is a short gentle walk from the canal basin to the first lock beneath shaded by lovely lime trees. Just before the first lock – Rhodesfield Lock – there is the pretty whitewashed former lock-keeper’s house. The path is wide enough for wheelchairs, making it perfectly accessible.
From here the countryside opens out before you. It is a tranquil spot, a contrast from the busy city centre.
This may only be a short walk at just one mile, you may want to take a picnic with you as there are plenty of places along the towpath to stop and just watch the world pass by.
This isn’t a circular walk so you will need to retrace your steps to get back to where you started, or consult your map to get you on to your next destination.
Access TOG’s Verdict:
Ripon is a beautiful area and this is such a lovely, accessible walk along the canal. I’m looking forward to a return visit to see how the wildlife here changes through the seasons.
This walk was commissioned by The Canal & River Trust.
Nearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Harrogate, York
