Walking Routes

Nicholson's Bridge

Nicholson's Bridge

Simple Humpback bridge over Ripon Canal

Ripon's canal was opened in 1773 to provide transport links with York and eventually Hull via the River Ure / Ouse. The engineer behind the canal was William Jessop who designed the canal to bypass the unnavigable sections of the River Ure and link Ripon to the navigable sections after Oxclose Lock. The coming of the railways in the 1840's saw the rapid decline of the canal and it was sold to the Leeds and Thirsk Railway in 1847 who continued to neglect the canal until around 1906 when it was closed to all traffic. Following the second world war, poor economic conditions saw the canal be officially abandoned in 1956 and it wasn't until members of the Ripon Motor Boat Club established the Ripon Canal Company LTD in 1961 that the canal was gradually restored. It wasn't however until 1996 following the Ripon Canal Society taking ownership that the entire canal was restored and made navigable once again. The whole canal is now managed by the Canal & River Trust as part of their national infrastructure portfolio.

Not much is known about Nicholson's Bridge other than it was built to provide access to fields on either side of the canal.

City Centre Discovery Trail

This easy city stroll begins outside Ripon’s Georgian Town Hall, before taking you on a journey of discovery around the ancient City of Ripon.

City Centre Discovery Trail II

This easy city stroll begins outside Ripon’s Cathedral, before taking you on a journey of discovery around the ancient City of Ripon. In such a small area, ther

City Centre & River Skell Discovery Trail

This easy City centre stroll begins outside Ripon’s Georgian Town Hall, taking you on a journey past a rich tapestry of historic buildings, the Spa Gardens & a

Studley Royal Circular

This circular walk takes you along the River Skell to Studley Royal Deer Park before returning to Ripon through picturesque fields.

Riverside Ramble

Starting outside Ripon Town Hall, this route takes you on a journey through historic streets, past a 12th Century Chapel & along sections of the River Skell & U

Starting outside Ripon Town Hall, this walk snakes its way along Ripon Canal & seamlessly blends the glorious Yorkshire countryside with Ripon’s unique urban en

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

Explore Ripon Canal and encounter a diverse range of wildlife.

The Monk's Walk

Walk in the footsteps of Monks with this moderate walk to Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey.

The Fountains Way

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.