Walking Routes

The 'Fairy Steps'

The 'Fairy Steps'

Concrete Steps with significant history

The concrete stairs in the woodland at what is now known as Hell Wath have been reffered to by locals as the 'Fairy Steps' for many years but their actual history is siginificant in the modern history of Ripon. The steps were built at some point between 1914 and 1918 and formed a key part of the large WW1 camp that encompassed what is now Hell Wath nature reserve and the city of Ripon. Stretching from Studley to Quarry Moor, the camp was home to over 30,000 men and horses at its peak during WW1.  The steps are thought to have been designed to allow for horses to pull gun carriages from one side of the camp to the other as the steps in the middle are perfectly spaced for a hors and there are smooth ramps on either side to assist the gun carriages as they ascended and descended the hill. 

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
Canal Walk
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.