Minibus support will be provided for a small charge (£25) to enable walkers to be transported to the start of the walk on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Burley in Wharfedale train station, and returned there on Friday and Saturday afternoons. The walk reaches Burley on Sunday, from where it starts on the Monday finishing later that day at Bradford Cathedral. There are a limited number of places on the buses, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Friday 2nd May: 11.25 miles. Meet Burley Station 9am. Start walking 10:15. Return to Burley approx. 5pm.
The walk gently climbs on good paths, tracks and lanes between Ripon Cathedral and Brimham Rocks. After leaving the bustle of Ripon, the route follows the River Skell to pass through Hell Wath Nature Reserve, and then the Valley of Seven Bridges to reach Studley Royal Deer Park, part of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal World Heritage site. A refreshment break will be had at the Studley Tea Rooms, along with a short introduction to the World Heritage site by a National Trust volunteer. Walking on through Sawley to cross the13th Century Butterton Bridge, the route ascends Brimham Moor to reach the colossal sculptured stones of Brimham Rocks.
Saturday 3rd May: 8.25 miles. Meet Burley Station 9am. Start walking 10am. Return to Burley approx. 4pm
The walk firstly descends from Brimham Rocks through the woodland above the tumbling waters of Fell Beck, arguably one of the most scenic sections of the route. Then following the Rivier Nidd to Glasshouses before climbing up High Crag Ridge via the secluded Guise Cliff Tarn, a probable refreshment stop. The day finishes by dropping down to Thruscross Reservoir. The walk is on mostly good paths, with one steepish climb
Sunday 4th May: 9.2 miles (or 11.2 miles). Meet Burley Station 9am. Start walking 9:45. Return to Burley approx. 4pm or 5pm if diversion route is used.
The third day leaves Thruscross to follow the lovely River Washburn to Fewston Reservoir, then on through Beecroft Moor Plantation to reach the delightful hilltop village of Timble, one of our refreshment options for the day. The route then follows field paths to reach the high point of
Ellarcarr Pike, before crossing Denton Moor. The main route descends to Burley to cross stepping stones over the River Wharfe. If the river is high and the stone are unsafe to cross, the diversion route will carry on through the Denton Reserve to cross the Wharfe at Denton Bridge, walking then through Ben Rhydding Nature Reserve to reach Burley. The walk follows mostly good field and moor paths, with an occasional awkward stile!
Monday 5th May: 12 miles. Meet Burley Station to start walking at 9am. Arrive at Roberts Park Saltaire approx. 1pm. Arrive Bradford Cathedral approx. 4pm
The fourth and final day leaves Burley to climb over Burley Moor with extensive views into Airedale. Reaching the wooded Shipley Glen, the route gradually drops down to Roberts Park, part of the World Heritage site of Saltaire village. The walk then follows the Leeds Liverpool canal to Shipley, and then Bradford Beck initially before climbing up the valley side toward Bolton Woods. Staying in a green corridor to reach Boars Well Nature Reserve, the walk finishes shortly afterwards at Bradford Cathedral. Light refreshments will be available, along with a short description of the history of this beautiful building. There is also the option of a visit to the nearby Corn Dolly pub to toast the achievements of those completing the walk!
To book places on the walk or to ask for more information, contact [email protected], or text David on 07900 489498