Walks in Nidderdale

With a network of 820.0 km of trails carved throughout expansive moorland, hushed woodland, pastoral landscapes, there’s no shortage of space to explore in Nidderdale—and the variety etched throughout the countryside elevates the scenery to the next level. Outside of the natural beauty cloaking Nidderdale, you’ll find several walks winding to and by crumbling stone walls that hark to ancient times and old field barns. Walking in Nidderdale mirrors stepping into a timeless folk tale, where stories upon stories of those before us linger in the air.

What’s New in 2026

• Nidderdale AONB is now the Nidderdale National Landscape. In November 2023, following a national review, England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty were rebranded as National Landscapes. The protection, boundaries and access rules are unchanged, so both names still refer to the same protected area, with the current official name being the Nidderdale National Landscape.
• Much of the high moorland is managed grouse moor, which affects access. The open moorland here is access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, so you can walk freely across it, but landowners are allowed to close it for up to 28 days a year, usually for management or shooting between 12 August and 10 December, and on most of Nidderdale’s access land dogs can be excluded at any time. Natural England publishes current closures, so check before you plan a route across the open moor, such as the Greenhow Walk featured below.
• Several of the best walks reach paid attractions, so plan for opening times and fees. Fountains Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the walled garden at Swinton Park both charge admission and keep set hours, and the walled garden does not open until 10am. The reservoir and riverside walks, by contrast, are free and open all year, which makes them the better choice for an early start or a wet day.
• This is a year-round walking area, with a muddy caveat. The stone-based reservoir and riverside paths stay good in almost any weather, but the moorland and field routes turn boggy after rain and through winter, so save those for a dry spell from late spring to early autumn. Sturdy, waterproof footwear earns its keep whatever the season, and the Yorkshire weather can turn quickly on the tops.

The Greatest Walks in Nidderdale

Nidderdale boasts an array of walks, whether you’re seeking a long-distance route, short and family-friendly, or more intense hill walks on open access land! Take a look at some of the greatest walks in Nidderdale below and pick one that caters to you:

1. Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir Loop Walk - Looking for a long, leisurely meander? Consider the 11.4 km Swintsy and Fewston Reservoir Loop Walk, where you'll bask in Nidderdale's stunning views as you take on a gentle incline. This route may be slightly long for wee ones, but in general, it's a great family-friendly walk. There's nothing more relaxing than circumnavigating a glossy water source!
2. Swinsty Reservoir Circular Walk - Don't have the time for an 11.4 km walk? The 5.5 km Swinsty Reservoir Circular Walk is a great alternative. Stroll along the lake that can be so glassy that it reflects the clouds through lovely woodlands and ancient stone walls lining your path.
3. Swinton Bivouac Walk - Explore varied views stretching across the historic Swinton Estate on this 24.0 km walk! En route, you'll get the chance to experience views of Roundhill and the Leighton Reservoir. Another highlight is passing through the ever-so-quaint village of Ilton. You can even pre-order a picnic for when you reach Bothy Hut. On top of this, the natural scenery will keep you just as entertained as the buildings along the Swinton Bivouac Walk.
4. Brimham Rocks and Moor Walk - Discover one of the more fascinating natural phenomenons in Nidderdale AONB on the Brimham Rocks and Moor Walk: rocks sculpted by continental shifts, wind, and ice more than 320 million years ago. Expect to marvel at a range of unique rock formations as you walk! After the rocks, you'll reach views stretching deep into the horizon.
5. Greenhow Walk - One of the more challenging walks in Nidderdale, the Greenhow Walk unveils moorland views while leading you to ancient lead mines. While you're walking, look out for lapwings, curlews, snipes, and other bird species flying above you.
6. Swinton Park Walk - Not in the mood to spend a full day exploring Swinton Park? The 4.5 km Swinton Park Walk in Swinton Estate takes you along streams, undulating fields, and crumbling ruins. While this walk is short, it does boast some ups and downs, so prepare for your heart rate to increase ever-so-slightly. At the end of the walk, you'll reach a walled garden, which doesn't open until 10 am and requires an entrance fee. Our route is a one-way walk, but you can always retrace your steps and head back, doubling the 4.5 km distance.
7. Thornton Steward Circular Walk - Revel in expansive countryside views stretching across Nidderdale on this 11.6 km circular walk that boasts a gentle elevation gain, making this a fun walk for anyone looking to stroll through nature without putting in too much effort! During your walk, take a break at Cover Bridge Inn for some well-deserved refreshments
8. Angram Reservoir Circular Walk - The Angram Reservoir Circular Walk takes you around two stunning reservoirs while also leading you to Scar House Dam, an imposing walled dam adorned with cascading waters. While this walk is pet-friendly, the second reservoir may have locks on the gates, which can be challenging for some pups to maneuver.
9. Swinton Bivouac, Druid's Temple and Sole Beck Walk - The Swinton Bivouac, Druid's Temple and Sole Beck Walk packs a punch when it comes to varied views: outstanding Nidderdale countryside scenery, the magical Swinton Estate, ancient ruins (Druid's Temple, Lobley Hall), woodland, moorland, and more! The first half is easy to navigate, but the second portion along the stream is more technical. All in all, this is a highlight of a walk in Nidderdale.
10. Hackfall and River Ure Circular Walk - Feel like the pages of a storybook swallowed you and immersed you in a fairytale on the Hackfall and River Ure Circular Walk, which takes you into woods coloured in deep green, by roaring waterfalls, ancient castle, and relaxing ponds. This route may be short at 4.7 km, but the rough terrain and craggy woodland flight steps can be challenging!

More Walks in Nidderdale

• Fountains Abbey Circular Walk, a gentle loop around a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cistercian ruins and Georgian water gardens, with an admission fee.
• Studley Royal Walk, a longer route through the Studley Royal deer park and water garden, family and dog friendly.
• Gouthwaite Reservoir Circular Walk, a birdwatcher’s favourite between the villages of Wath and Ramsgill.
• Pateley Bridge Walk, an easy stroll from the dale’s main market town.
• Brimham Rocks Walk, a shorter alternative focused on the famous tors.
• Masham and Swinton Circular Walk, combining moor, reservoir and the market town of Masham.
• Marfield Nature Reserve Walk, an easy wetland and riverside loop rich in birdlife.
• Ripon Riverside Walk, a very easy, wheelchair and stroller friendly path along the river’s edge.

When Is The Best Time To Walk in Nidderdale?

The best time to walk in Nidderdale AONB is during the warmer months when the trails are less boggy and muddy. While some routes navigate stone paths, making them more accessible year-round, others may not be in the best conditions after rain. It’s best to explore Nidderdale via foot between April and October, when the moorland dries out and the days are long. Autumn brings russet bracken and the heather colour lingers on the moors, while spring fills the woodland walks with bluebells, so the shoulder seasons are arguably the loveliest of all.

Best Regions for Walking in Nidderdale?

You’ll find a range of trails etched across Swinton Estate in Nidderdale, where gardens, ancient ruins, and incredible countryside will keep you well entertained. This area boasts 20,000 acres of natural beauty contrasted with a dramatic castle and more old architecture.

Other Outdoor Activities in Nidderdale AONB?

Other activities in Nidderdale AONB include horseback riding along 170.0 km of bridleways or cycling either the Northern AONB Loop (64.4 km) or the Southern AONB Loop (62.8 km). There are also some great family-friendly bike routes, and super intense hill climbs for those seeking some cardiovascular activity. Meanwhile, canoers and kayakers can go paddling on Scar House reservoir, but you will have to organize this with the owners of How Stean Gorge. Or, you can arrange a paddling session on Glasshouses Mill Dam with Bewerley Park Outdoor Centre. This is an excellent spot for families or beginners!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to stay in Nidderdale?

The nearest town to Nidderdale is Harrogate. However, the AONB is peppered with quaint villages worth exploring for a day or two. For example, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you’re walking amid the medieval, gothic architecture sweeping Pateley Bridge or meandering Masham, a market town. Another great option is Ripton, which was named one of the best places to live in North Yorkshire.

Is Nidderdale in the Yorkshire Dales?

No, Yorkshire Dales National Park was established in 1954. The boundary of the park excludes Nidderdale.

How big is Nidderdale?

Nidderdale stretches across 233 square miles (600 km2). So much room for activities!

Can you walk anywhere in Nidderdale?

Largely, but not entirely. Nidderdale has an extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways, and its open moorland is access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, meaning you can walk freely across mapped areas of moor and common. However, landowners may close access land for up to 28 days a year, mostly for grouse shooting between August and December, and dogs can be excluded from much of it at any time. On farmland, keep to the marked rights of way, close gates behind you and keep dogs under close control around livestock.

Find more walking regions

• hiking in Lake District Walks
• hiking in Peak District Walks
• hiking in South Downs Walks
• hiking in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Walks
• hiking in Chiltern Hills Walks
• hiking in Snowdonia Walks

Or use this link to find all walking regions in the UK. If you would rather have the planning handled, browse our guided tours in England.