An easy going circular walk from West Tanfield near Ripon

An easy going walk, no steep hills, a bit of road work along quiet lanes with very little traffic, a couple of pretty villages, duck ponds, woods, long views to the east, what more could you wish for? This walk is about eight miles. Do call in at The Bull Inn in West Tanfield on your return. We found the pub warm, welcoming and the food excellent.

Please wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear as after a wet spell the paths can be muddy. We took our sticks just to be on the safe side. Plan your route beforehand and take the map, GPS, snacks and plenty to drink.

We parked in West Tanfield village hall car park, honesty box and plenty of spaces. Turn left out of the entrance and proceed over Tanfield Bridge. Turn left on to the Ripon Rowel Walk to walk along the side of the River Ure. Follow the path through Sleningford Caravan and Camp Site, The Terrace and Sleningford Grange, eventually coming back onto the road, the A6108, at North Stainley follow the road into the village. We stopped at one of the duck ponds to watch the antics going on. A treat to see a moor hen there too.

Continue along the road for a few yards more leaving the Ripon Rowel Walk and turn right into Cockpit Close. Follow the road round to the right eventually coming to a stile gate. Through here and follow the footpath past Fiveponds Woods coming out at Musterfield. Once onto Musterfield Lane turn left and walk along the road to Frizer Hill. Here the road turns sharply to the left but leave the road through the metal gate with footpath sign on the right and again follow the footpath. A pretty walk through the field and into the wood, Coal Bank Wood. We saw about a dozen or so beautiful roe deer in here, very shy though, as they would be. Keep on the main footpath and this will bring you out onto the road again. Turn right here in the direction of Mickley, down Railer Bank and the steep hill, do look out for the weir on your left once nearing the houses, and into the village.

You are now back to walking on part of the Ripon Rowel Walk.  Walk on through the village, pass the pretty little church, the village hall, lovely houses and once the road starts to bear off to the right, and you’re more or less leaving the houses, go straight ahead leaving the road following the Ripon Rowel Walk. Follow on through Piccadilly Wood and enjoy the River Ure again. Keep to the well worn route which brings you out at West Tanfield and the A6108. Turn left, over the bridge and your vehicle.

We have beautiful cottages in nearby Masham and surrounding areas plus The Hay Loft to sleep two plus one small dog in Ripon and of course all our cottages are well within travelling distance of West Tanfield. Do give us a call, me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 and of course you can book online if you wish. Hear from you quite soon!