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 throw stones in and river beach treasure to find!
Check out the details below for the best way to while away an afternoon!
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Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my website and for reading this now!
I set up the Reluctant Explorers and maintain the website and attached social media accounts in my spare time, around mum-life and two jobs. It was designed to provide access for parents to free resources to help get more families outside and exploring in nature. These walks have all been created by myself and the kids and we have walked each one ourselves (and re-walk them regularly to keep the information as up to date as we can).
If you would like to support us and can afford a few pennies, you can make a donation to our ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ page. Simply tap the button below to head there!
Plenty of wildflowers to spot!
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. This is a very small car park. If it’s full, then head to the one a Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough and do our riverside circular there.
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 affiliate link as Ordnance Survey Champion ro check out the woodland trust Nidd Gorge trail map.
What 3 Words: turntable.brings.smothered
Toilets/ Baby Change: No.
Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Knaresborough, less than a 5 minute drive.
The stick den at the start of the walk.
How to get to Nidd Gorge
Directions to Nidd Gorge and Gates Hill Camp
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
If you want to explore more, then check out the information board at Nidd Gorge Car Park!
Last walked May 2022
The Gate Hilll Camp information board.
Walking on the wide path through the trees
Playing by the side of the river
Playing by the riverside
What’s Cool for kids at Nidd Gorge?
💦 There’s water to throw stones! If you do choose to paddle, always supervise children around water - as per the very well known news stories about the current state of our rivers, there have been reports of people becoming ill having spent time in the water of the River Nidd. Be mindful of this should you choose to play by it.
✨ The Woodland Trust says: ‘Jack Carter’s Cave near the riverbank is shown on ordnance survey maps, though there are no visible traces. Legend has it that a Civil War drummer hid in a cave in Nidd Gorge instead of leading troops to battle. The story has inspired a wooden seat carved with drumsticks.’
🐾 the soft sand at the side of the river is a great place to hunt for animal footprints and keep your eyes peeled for deer!
🌳 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.
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Leave No Trace
The Yorkshire Dales is our home, and the home of so many others who care deeply about this beautiful space.
Should you visit, make sure to:
Take home anything you bring, leave no rubbish behind.
Make the world a better place by picking up any rubbish you see, even if it isn’t yours.
Leave everything else as you found it.