Playing in the water at Nidd Gorge

Nidd Gorge

This Woodland Trust walk is short but sweet but can last HOURS on account of the stone throwing, splashing and nature collecting going on!

Where is Nidd Gorge?

This walk is located just on the edge of the town of Knaresborough, which is a fabulous day out for all!

The Woodland Trust own the stunning ancient woodland surrounding Nidd Gorge, and this little wander can take hours because there is so much to explore! Trees to climb, stick dens, water to splash in and river beach treasure to find!

Check out the details below for the best way to while away an afternoon!

Lookiing at the wildflower in Nidd Gorge

Walk details for Nidd Gorge

Distance: 2 miles

Terrain: Easily identifiable woodland tracks, well signposted. Can be muddy in places, some steps. Ascent just over 500 feet.

Parking: At Nidd Gorge Car Park on Ripley Road.

Public Transport: Yes! The nearest train station is Knaresborough. The nearest bus stop is Scotton Drive, which is a few minutes walk away.

Dog Friendly? Yes

Location: Between Knaresborough and Ripley.

Map: OS Explorer 297

What 3 Words: turntable.brings.smothered

Toilets/ Baby Change: No.

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Knaresborough, less than a 5 minute drive.

The big stick den at Nidd Gorge

How to get to Nidd Gorge

Directions to Nidd Gorge and Gates Hill Camp

  1. Starting from the Car Park, head into the woodland and to the large information board. Just beyond this, you will see a signpost pointing left, signposted Hill Fort. Follow this path into the trees, and keep following it! After a short distance, there was a large stick den, and then the path begins to head alongside the perimeter fences of the nearby houses.

  2. The path is wide and clear, and it continues to follow the perimeter of the houses (they will be on your left). The path then bends slightly to the right, and after a short distance, you will see the signage for the Iron Age camp, Gates Hill. There is information all about the camp that once existed, and the lumpy bumpiness of the ground at this point, is thanks to the remains of the structure.

  3. Keep heading onwards past the sign, until you see a large wide track, branching off to your right. The path goes downhill in the direction of the river. You will meet a crossroads with one of the forestry tracks, at which point, you need to turn left onto it, and head down the track towards the edge of the River Nidd.

  4. Once you reach the river, you will see a signpost. Turn right. The path here follows the edge of the water, and there are various points at which you can get down to the waters edge. Follow it around as it slowly bends rightwards, until you reach a stepped path heading upwards to your right. Head up the steps!

  5. At the top, there is another signpost, which points left (it says forestry track and car park). Take this, and head down the track as far as the bridge. You can cross this, to go and see more of the gorge, or, you can continue straight, turn right and then head back up to the car park!

  6. If you want to explore more, then check out the information board at Nidd Gorge Car Park!

Last walked May 2022

Playing by the water of Nidd Gorge

What’s Cool for kids at Nidd Gorge?

💦 There’s water to throw stones, or have a splash in! If you do choose to paddle, always supervise children around water!

🌳 There are stick dens, trees to climb, sticks to collect, river treasure, animal prints to track and birds to spot! There is so much going on with this walk!

Why not take a look at what to do with any nature treasure you collect along the way, by checking out our nature collector’s page?

Or do you have an animal lover? Why not check out all of our walking activities for animal lovers here!

Helpful Information!

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

Looking for animal tracks at Nidd Gorge
Swinging into the Nidd River

Love Nidd Gorge?

Why not check out our super short Knaresborough Circular down the road from this walk?

Knaresborough is a fantastic town to explore with loads going on! There’s a castle, Mother Shipton’s Cave, boat trips and more!

Why not check out our Yorkshire Events page to find out what’s going on at Mother Shipton’s Cave.

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