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Walks and trails

Many a happy hour can be spent wandering around Richmond’s multitude of historic streets, narrow wynds and hidden corners, as well as pacing out on longer scenic riverside and woodland paths.

Richmond is a walker’s paradise, either as a base for some serious hiking in the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park or exploring the town and riverside paths on foot.

You can get to know our town a little better with one of the downloadable trails below.

Walking in Richmond

For superb views of the town and river, explore Castle Hill and Castle Walk – a favourite place to ‘promenade’ in the Georgian era. Millgate takes you down to the river and impressive waterfalls. Friars Wynd steers you through one of the two remaining Medieval gateways and onto the peaceful Friary Gardens, and a stroll down to The Green takes in views of Culloden Tower and the much-photographed Green Bridge.

Longer walks include a popular loop from The Station, down the old railway line to the tranquil ruins of 12th century Easby Abbey and back along the river; or the outstandingly beautiful route from the Green Bridge to Round Howe which has the bonus of breathtaking views back towards the Castle.

Local volunteers have created a number of walking books to help you explore the area, and keep as a souvenir of your visit to the town. They are available from various outlets round the town, including the Information Centre.

National publisher, Treasure Trails, offers two family-friendly treasure hunt trails around Richmond..

Buy your Treasure Trail

Regular guided walks take place throughout the year. Various donations and charges will apply.

Richmond Town Walks

Explore the colourful history of Richmond and hear some of its fascinating stories in this volunteer-led walk. Walks take place on Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am and are organised by the Richmond Information Centre.

More information: 01748 826468 or email: ric@richmondinfo.net

Richmond Wanders

These hour-long walks are a stunning way to find out more about the town - planes, prisoners, boats, boots, bridges, nurses, Normans, Belgians, castles and trains all feature!

Starting from The Green Howards Museum, you will take a walk round Richmond with your knowledgeable guide, enjoying the scenery but also spotting the clues to its military past.

Check Wander details here.

Ghost Walks

Local guide Rhoda Fraser brings to life local stories, traditions and legends, including the Drummer Boy and Potter Thompson.

Lasting for just over an hour, the walks are suitable for all ages and take place on Fridays and Saturdays in August. Meet at the Turf Hotel or Friary Gardens at 6.30pm. Other times and dates can be arranged by appointment.

More information: Rhoda Fraser 01748 818156 or 07775 618472.

 

There are a number of local walking groups that meet regularly and welcome new members or visitors to the town.  

Check out Richmondshire Ramblers, Swaledale Outdoor Club and Walking for Heath in our Community Groups listings to get involved.

The Richmond Walking and Book Festival, held during the last week of September each year, combines a week-long walking festival in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales with a series of literary events, including talks by well-known authors and social events.

The walking programme comprises three main walks each day of various lengths and grades, mainly in the Swaledale and Wensleydale areas; plus town walks around the Richmond.

 

The Coast to Coast

Richmond is the largest town on Alfred Wainwright's world-famous Coast to Coast route from St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay. It is also roughly midway, making it a popular stopping off point for a day or two's rest to recharge the batteries before the second half of the route.

The Swale Way

Growing in popularity is the Swale Way, which also passes through Richmond. This follows the full length of the River Swale from its confluence with the Ure at Boroughbridge to its origin high in the hills above Reeth. The route continues to Kirkby Stephen giving the option of returning by the Yoredale Way along the course of the Ure.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has opened up, for more general public access, a section of their training area to create the Downholme permissive footpath, which covers approximately 3.6 miles across various unsurfaced terrain within one of the largest MoD training areas in the North East of England.

Lying within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the route now forms part of the Swale Way long distance footpath and offers wonderful previously unseen views over the Lower Swaledale Valley.

For more gentle walks, Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve is a rich mosaic of habitats situated within Catterick Garrison.