Skipton Castle Woods: All You Need to Know
On the way to Skipton Castle Woods with Skipton Castle in the background
Do you want to take a walk around Skipton Castle Woods?
Of course the answer is yes! Because you’re right here on our ‘all you need to know about Skipton Castle Woods blog!’ (And if you DON’T want to know about Skipton Castle Woods…. well….. you need to head elsewhere! Here, you’ll find all the need to know information about paying a visit with the kids to Skipton Castle Woods!
So if you want to know where to park the car, or whether any of the trail is pushchair friendly. Or perhaps whether there are bluebells or where the best route is for older kids, then check this out!
Got a question in mind about Skipton Castle Woods? Then skip down to our frequently asked questions section to find the answer!
But first of all, let’s find out a bit more about the woodland. Let’s GO!
The willow huntress sculpture that stands at one of the entrances to Skipton Castle Woods
A bit more about the history of Skipton Castle Woods
This expanse of ancient woodland can be found just behind Skipton Castle itself and back in’t days of yore (aka a reeeeeallly long time ago in the 11th Century) it will have been an asset that was well used by those in the castle back in its prime, for hunting, fishing and building materials for the castle.
During the 1700s and 1800s Eller Beck, which runs through the middle of the woodland was used in industry, it’s power used to drive the mills further downstream and a walk through the woodland today will take you past the structures created to harness that power such as the weir and dam.
Later, the woodland was used for leisure, much as it is now for a woodland stroll in the fresh air and for the last 75 years it has been leased by the Woodland Trust.
The Eller Beck information board and the weir waterfall
So what can you see in Skipton Castle Woods?
Dependant on which trail you select (more about that below), you can see the exterior of Skipton Castle, the waterfalls created by the weir and the manmade structures used back in the 18th and 19th centuries. You’ll see the dam and Eller Beck as well as willow sculptures.
The willow sculptures were installed back in 2018 and were created to represent the way the woodland has been used historically for hunting and provided through hunting. You’ll find the huntress at the old sawmill entrance, a horse and a stag too.
Not just that, but the woodland is a haven for nature and you’ll see a wide range of species of trees, plants and animals including Kingfishers, Woodpeckers and Grey Wagtails.
Oh and in Spring? BLUEBELLS! Loads of bluebells!
Does Skipton Castle Woods have a waterfall?
Well…. kinda? There are a few small man made waterfalls, one at the weir and one opposite the castle, but there is no ‘hidden waterfall’ as such!
Exploring the old sluice mechanism at the Round Dam
What are the walk routes around Skipton Castle Woods?
The walk routes are all arranged by difficulty, but none are greatly challenging. There are information boards at The Bailey Car Park and Sawmill Entrance to show you the routes all around it.
Are there any pushchair friendly routes through Skipton Castle Woods?
Yes. the River Valley Route is your option for pushchairs, although it can be muddy in places. This route is a there and back again walk, and you will have to start the walk by walking along Chapel Hill, meaning you won’t get the view of the rear of the castle.
The alternative is that you walk along the walkway that heads around the back of the castle (suitable for single buggies) with a buddy who is prepared to help lift up and down the steps, although that is of course dependant on finding that buddy and how strong they are!
How far?
This is around a 1 mile walk (just over)
How long?
30 minutes to 1 hour.
Which is the best walk route for older toddlers or younger children?
The route that I think provides the most interest for younger children is the River Valley Route starting at the Mill Bridge Entrance next to the church. This will take you past the castle, the huntress, up to the round dam and the weir waterfall, then along Eller Beck and back where there are loads of birds to spot.
You can choose to extend it by heading up on the upper paths if you fancy it and obviously dependant on the levels of enthusiasm!
How far?
About 2 miles
How Long?
Allow an hour and a half
Which is the best walk route for older children.
Any! If you want to try and get in all of the features, we normally start at the Mill Bridge Entrance, walk behind the castle, head up past the huntress, then take a detour to the round dam and weir, then head back to climb up the steps by Sougha Gill, head right to go and see the willow horse on the high route, then head down to the bridge to see the stag, then back along the top route to the Bailey Car Park and back into Skipton Town Centre.
How Far?
About 2.5 miles
How Long?
Allow an hour and a half to two hours.
The willow horse sculpture that is found on the high level route
Need to know information about Skipton Castle Woods
Where do I park for Skipton Castle Woods
Skipton Castle Woods has three entrances, but no official car park. The most convenient car park for the woods is the Bailey Car Park as you can walk straight from the car park into the woods, however there are plenty of other pay and display parking facilities in Skipton Town Centre.
Can I get to Skipton Castle Woods by public transport?
Yes! Skipton Bus Station is half a mile away on foot from the Mill Bridge Entrance of Skipton Castle Woods. Skipton Train Station is a little further on from the bus station.
Are the woods free to enter?
Yes! Other than the cost to park or get there, the woods are free.
Are there any toilet facilities in the woods?
No, the nearest are in Skipton Town Centre.
What footwear should I use?
Wellies, wellies, wellies! Unless you want to get your trainers super muddy! Walking boots are also an option!
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs on leads are allowed.
How long will I need to set aside?
Dependant on what route you decide, anything between an hour to two and a half hours should be plenty.
Where is best to start?
This is dependant on a number of factors (including whether you have a buggy), but our favourite place to begin is on the Mill Bridge Entrance.
Can you easily get to Skipton Town Centre afterwards?
Yes, the market square is a very short walk from the entrance on Mill Bridge.
Can you enter Skipton Castle from the woods?
No. Skipton Castle is entered from the town centre and is separate to the woods.
Plenty of trees to climb, places to jump and splash too!
I hope you’ve found this guide useful!
Have fun exploring!
If you’ve enjoyed this guide, why not check out all of our nearby family friendly walks in the Wharfedale area!
And if you want to explore more of Skipton? Why not check out our all you need to know about Skipton Castle with kids guide!