One Way from Ripley
- Dave Shaw
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
I am starting to fill the gaps on my goal of completing the Nidderdale Way this year. I am at the point that most of the remaining sections will require transport to a starting point. Today I offered Dennis a choice - drop me off in Ripley around 9:00 AM (and get breakfast before hand from the village store), or pick me up around noon. Surprisingly, he chose not to sleep in and we left the house around 8:30 to get a bacon bap and coffee at the store: Dacre Village Store
Once he had his fill of food, he drove me to the village of Ripley where my hike for today started. Ripley is a neat little village with a couple of claims to fame: Ripley Castle (currently on the market for 7.5 million GBP), Ripley Ice Cream, and the Boars Head pub (which has a bunch of english history behind the name). Ripley was the destination / turn around point for the walk I organized last year, which led to this endevore.
The Nidderdale way passes through town as its eastern most point. One direction heads toward Darley, the other towards Burnt Yates. I was heading towards Darley. The first several miles are on a cycle way, offering a nice smooth walking surface and great views of the surrounding farm lands
The first town on the hike back to Dacre Banks is Hampsthwaite. The bridge into town is fairly typical for the small roads - it is only 1 vehicle wide, and might date back to the 1800's.
The trail takes you through the cemetery in front of the church. The exit is via a cobblestone walkway that probably dates back to the 1200's or so (middle ages).
The trail wanders along the Nidd back into Dacre Banks. Along the way there is another nice old bridge
and some old stepping stones which were also used for crossing rivers.
I always know my hike is over when I see my local pub - The Royal Oak
Details for the map