Walking Routes

Lavender Alley

Lavender Alley

Historic alleyway in the heart of Ripon

Lavender Alley On Fishergate

Lavender Alley is a clue to the shape of Ripon’s original market place laid out by Walter de Grey, Archbishop of York from 1215. It probably stretched from the top of Kirkgate as far as Allhallowgate, about 180 metres (200 yards) long and about 90 metres (100 yards) wide. In the middle was a market cross, and there was a ‘Cross Lane’, or ‘Crossgate’. Eventually this part of the market place was fill in by trader’s buildings, workshops and yard. That left only today’s Old Market Place as a memory of the past. Lavender Alley may be on the line of the original Crossgate.

By the end of the 19th century the city centre was congested and many buildings were old and dilapidated. Several redevelopment projects were undertaken affecting both ends of Lavender Alley. At this west end, Fishergate was completely rebuilt and the highway was widened.

The grapes public house that stood at this south west corner was demolished and replaced with the shop we see today. The north west side was also rebuilt, up to what was known as Hebden’s Corner.

City Centre Discovery Trail
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City Centre Discovery Trail II
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City Centre & River Skell Discovery Trail
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Studley Royal Circular
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Riverside Ramble
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Canal Walk
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The Mayor's Walk
A One mile route through Ripon's historic streets with the opportunity to visit three social history museums.
The Miller's Walk
A 1.5 mile walk along the River Skell featuring views of Ripon Cathedral and Ripon's historic architecture.
The Fishermen's Walk
A city and country walk including stretches of Ripon's two main rivers and views of the surrounding countryside.
The Navigator's Walk
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The Monk's Walk
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A rewarding way to arrive at Fountains Abbey on foot, via rural paths from Ripon and the stately lime avenue through Studley Royal Deer Park.
Hell Wath Nature Trail
Wander down Hell Wath path in Ripon, along the River Skell, through woodland glade, meadows and hedgerows.