ST. WILFRID S WAY CAMINO FROM ST. ANNE S CATHEDRAL TO RIPON AND FOUNTAINS ABBEY TO CELEBRATE THE 2016 YEAR OF MERCY KIRKBY OVERBLOW CRIMPLE VALLEY

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1 ST. WILFRID S WAY CAMINO FROM ST. ANNE S CATHEDRAL TO RIPON AND FOUNTAINS ABBEY TO CELEBRATE THE 2016 YEAR OF MERCY LEEDS CATHEDRAL WOODHOUSE RIDGEWAY MEANWOOD GROVE ECCUP HAREWOOD ESTATE KIRKBY OVERBLOW CRIMPLE VALLEY HARROGATE RIPLEY MARKINGTON MARKENFIELD HALL FOUNTAINS ABBEY (Optional) RIPON

2 PRAYER OF THE PILGRIMS Lord, you who recalled your servant Abraham, out of the town Ur in Chaldea, who watched over him during all his wanderings; you who guided the Jewish people through the desert, we also query to watch your present servants, who for love of your name make a pilgrimage to Ripon Cathedral. Be for us, a companion on our journey, the guide on our intersections, the strengthening during fatigue, the resource on our itinerary, the shadow in our heat, the light in our darkness, the consolation in our dejection, the power of our intention. So that under your guidance, safely and unhurt, we may reach the end of our journey and strengthened with gratitude and power, secure and with happiness, may join our home. For Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen. Apostle James, pray for us Holy Virgin, pray for us. Church of Virgen del Puy de Estella This prayer was given to the author on 9 th May 2013 by the Parish of San Miguel, Estella, whilst walking the Camino Frances, from St. Jean Pied de- Port, France to Santiago de Compostela, Galicia in N. Spain. I have changed the name of the destination from Santiago de Compostela to Ripon Cathedral. 2

3 CAMINO TO RIPON CATHEDRAL Camino means the path or the way Walk, a Camino from Diocesan Cathedral of St. Anne, in Leeds, to Ripon Cathedral The Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, commenced with the opening of the Santa Porta (Holy Door) at St. Peter s Basilica, Rome on 8 th December 2015, ends on Sunday 20 th November On Sunday 13 th December, Gaudete Sunday, 3 rd Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in the Cathedral Church of Rome, St. John Lateran, and saying: "We have opened the Holy Door, here and in all the cathedrals of the world. Even this simple sign is an invitation to joy. It begins a time of the great forgiveness. It is the Jubilee of Mercy." These words of the Holy Father makes reference to his request that a Holy Door be opened in EVERY Cathedral Church around the world and at the start of the Solemn Mass for Gaudete Sunday Bishop Marcus opened the special Holy Door in Leeds Cathedral designated for the Year of Mercy. The Door of Mercy at Leeds Cathedral is analogous to the Holy Doors of the Papal Basilicas in Rome. IT PERMITS PEOPLE WHO CANNOT TRAVEL TO ROME TO MAKE A JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE HERE TO ST ANNE S CATHEDRAL. 3

4 Vatican City, 21 January 2016 (VIS) Pope Francis, said this morning as he received in the Paul VI Hall three thousand leaders of pilgrimages and rectors of shrines, participating in the Jubilee. "Making a pilgrimage to shrines is one of the most eloquent expressions of the faith of a people for God This popular religiosity is an authentic form of evangelisation that must be promoted and emphasised, without minimising its importance" "It would be a mistake to think that those who go on a pilgrimage live a spirituality that is not personal but rather of the 'masses'. The reality is that the pilgrim carries within him his own history and faith, and the lights and shadows of his own life. Each person carries within his or her heart a special wish and a particular prayer. This booklet is intended as a guide for those who may wish to START a journey of personal discovery, a Camino, or make a pilgrimage, by firstly entering through the Holy Door at St. Anne s, in this Year of Mercy. From the Holy Door of St. Anne s Cathedral you can now start you Camino or your Pilgrimage to Ripon Cathedral dedicated to St. Peter. Why Ripon Cathedral? St. Wilfrid became Bishop of Ripon in 658 the Cathedral was founded in 672. The Cathedral Crypt is the only part of St. Wilfrid s original Saxon church to have survived intact. This making it one of England s oldest Church building still in use. St Wilfrid was enshrined Ripon in 709 Bishop Marcus is to say a Mass for Pilgrims in Ripon Cathedral, which was dedicated to St. Peter by St. Wilfrid in 672, on SATURDAY 8 TH OCTOBER 2016 at am. 4

5 The booklet describes the Camino from St. Anne s Cathedral, Leeds. It follows old paths and has been planned with a minimum of road walking. It makes use of former Monastic pathways, public bridleways and footpaths, transformed railway lines and riverside walks, and green spaces in urban areas. The Camino is approximately 32.5 miles in length, 27.5 miles of which are off-road walking. The Way is relatively flat, with only minor ups and downs! The route is from St. Anne s Cathedral, via Hyde Park, Woodhouse Ridgeway and Meanwood Park and Nature Trail. It follows part of the Dalesway Link from Leeds to Ilkley, passing Eccup and passing Emmerdale going through the Harewood Estate. Crossing the River Wharfe, we pass through the village of Kirkby Overblow. Onwards to Follifoot Ridge, at Pannal and crossing the Crimple Valley and along The Ringway to Harrogate, and the Church of St Robert s. Leaving Harrogate, on the Nidderdale Cycle Way to arrive in Ripley. Here, we join and follow part of the Nidderdale Way, to reach the medieval village of Cayton. Continuing through the village of Markington on the Ripon Rowel Way passing Ingerthorpe, and the charming 13 th Century Markenfield Hall. Here we can decide whether to go direct to Whitcliffe Hall, Or to detour through the grounds alongside Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal and Studley Roger, to emerge at Whitcliffe Hall. Finally, through Whitcliffe Wood and along the River Skell to Ripon and its Cathedral dedicated to St. Peter and containing the tomb of St. Wilfrid. The choice is yours, to do the walk to Ripon in SECTIONS or as a TWO day pilgrimage. PILGRIMS ARE ASKED TO NOTE THAT THEY WALK AT THEIR OWN RISK! 5

6 PLEASE DO TAKE TIME TO READ THE SAFETY NOTES 1. Please use pavements wherever they are available. Some of the roads can be very busy; especially near Leeds, Harewood, Harrogate, Ripley and Ripon There are only 5 miles of road walking, mainly on minor roads. 2. As we pass through the beautiful country side of West and North Yorkshire, please do follow the Country Code, remembering to respect fields, gates, stiles, walls and hedges on which so many farmers depend for their livelihoods. 3. Wear sensible and comfortable boots or other footwear. Parts of the Camino maybe muddy and wet after rainfall. 4. Ensure that you have a waterproof with you. 5. Carry at least 1 litre of water or drinks with you, REMEMBER to have a small drink say every mins, this will help to reduce the danger of dehydration, also helps to reduce injuries and blisters. 6. Take something to eat, REMEMBER you burn a lot of calories when walking up to 20+ miles. 7. If you start and feel tired and cannot complete the whole walk, firstly do not worry, you can always complete it later. 8. Public transport can be found at a number of locations within a short distance from the main route. See page 23 for more details. Finally, it s not a race it is intended to be enjoyed and walked as a pilgrimage, either with a group or alone. Relax, enjoy and listen to nature and your inner self. WALK IT IN SECTIONS OR AS A WHOLE THE CHOICE IS YOURS. REMEMBER the good Lord is always with us. Whatever you do for heaven s sake don t forget to start. The author has made every effort to ensure that at time of printing all the details and information in this guide are correct. The author accepts no responsibility for changes however made to pathways or diversions and public transport timetables. 6

7 .HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? This will depend on individual ability and fitness. You can walk it in SECTIONS. If you base your times on 2 mph, the section estimated TIMES in hours are shown below. Remember you do not have to walk the whole way at one go. If attempting to walk to Ripon Cathedral, 32.5 miles is a long way!!!! Consider walking over 2 or 3 days using this booklet as your guide. The walk has been split into 4 sections, with good public transport connections. Remember Ripon Cathedral is open daily from to THE CAMINO ROUTE IN FOUR SECTIONS Section ONE TOTAL Track Road Miles Miles Hrs St. Anne s to Meanwood Park Section TWO Meanwood Park to Harewood Section THREE Harewood to Harrogate Section FOUR Harrogate to Ripon Via Markenfield Hall Option Via Fountains Abbey Road is one with regular traffic e.g. A658 / B6165 or C roads. Tracks are public footpaths / bridleways and minor farm roads. 7

8 ABBREVIATIONS USED IN GUIDE R Right TR Turn Right RHS - Right Hand Side L - Left TL Turn Left LHS - Left Hand Side PFS Public Footpath Sign (Green) PBWay Public Bridleway SP GSP Green Signpost SP Signpost FPS Footpath Sign (Blue) FP - Footpath Post usually with yellow arrows TF Lights Traffic Lights WRSP Woodhouse Ridge Sign (Black) MWVT Meanwood Valley Trail DWL Dalesway Link (Leeds to Ilkley) (Yellow Arrows) LCW (Two Owls) Leeds Country Way NCW Nidderdale Cycle Way NW Niddderdale Way (Curlew signs) RRW - Ripon Rowel Way (6 points on a circle signs) NT National Trust PT PUBLIC TRANSPORT Please see page 23 for further details PLEASE NOTE: Public conveniences are to be found en-route only very occasionally, so you will have to use cafes, garages, pubs, and supermarkets! The practice of pilgrimage has a special place in the Holy Year, because it represents the journey each of us makes in the life. Pope Francis OS MAPS USED: 289 LEEDS (Harrogate, Wetherby and Pontefract) OS EXPLORER 297 Lower Wharfedale & Wasburn Valley OS EXPLORER 298 NIDDERDALE OS EXPLORER 8

9 Section ONE St Anne s Cathedral to Meanwood Park 3.5 Miles Leaving the Cathedral, cross with care Great George Street, and go up Cookridge Street into Millennium Square. Bear L and walk in front of the two Golden Owls. Use Pelican to cross Portland Way and TR and walk uphill to next junction. Using the Pelican crossings, cross two traffic lanes and TL in front of the ship Dry Dock to join Woodhouse Lane. Continue on passing University buildings and the White Clock Tower on LHS. On reaching the red brick library building, seen on LHS and just before Hyde Park bear R down Raglan Road, passing a parade of shops and the red brick The Harrison and Potter Trust building. At T junction TR, into Rampart Road go down to junction and, using Zebra crossing cross with care, Woodhouse Lane and walk up Delph Lane. GSP to Woodhouse Ridge (WR) and The Dales Way (DWL). Walk up Delph Lane, through student land until reaching the end of Delph Lane. Go through A Stile by low brick wall and TL joining Woodhouse Ridge keeping to the top path, WRSP and follow Meanwood Valley Trail (MWVT) and Dalesway Link (DWL) (Yellow Arrows) until we reach a gateway. Here the path splits into three and we take the middle one WRSP MWVT and DWL. Walk down track crossing a path using stone steps continue downhill along tree lined path to emerge at road Grove Lane, WRSP - MWVT and DWL. PT Bus stop Routes 67/71/93 TAKE CARE crossing road, go straight across and passing Welcome to Grove Lane information Board. Continue through grove passing information boards, about Grove Lane, Birdlife of Grove Lane, passing a pond, information board Bats at Grove Lane carry on path with houses on LHS until reaching road. TAKE CARE crossing road, going straight ahead into Highbury Lane, at the end of lane, join the riverside track, walk on side of stream to reach a converted Mill. TL at Mill and pass Mill Dam on RHS used by Leeds & District Anglers Private Fishing TR at PFS MWVT, the track now passes allotments on both sides of track. 9

10 At end of track and just before tarmac road FPS MWVT / DWL - TR and cross stream following path with an old Mill Race on LHS, TL over bridge and immediately TL at MWVT SP, we now enter Meanwood Park!! To R are Picnic tables and café (WC s at Café) and some WC s signposted; these are up and behind the Café, in a red brick building. Go forward following MWVT signs TL to cross stream, then TR follow path and SP s until re-crossing stream over stone arched bridge TL, continue on path following PFS, MWVT. Go thro arched stone gateway TL, MWVT, then re-cross stream over a wooden bridge TR and follow only MWVT signs and cross river at two bridges go up steps and TL on joining path, following this path to exit of Meanwood Park, joining road and TL, useful stone seats set in walls here. Walk towards main road DO NOT CROSS, but TR along track which runs parallel to the very busy ring road, continue along this path and go thro tunnel / underpass to safely cross ring road. On exiting tunnel TR and then bear L SP MWVT at next path junction, by two large stones continue on this path until it divides. OPTIONS and DECISIONS! If you are walking to Harewood, a further 6 miles, carry on footpath to L. (Then see Section TWO). (See Page 11) PT: If you wish to go back to Leeds take the RH track adjacent to stream, reaching information board Scotland go R over bridge go up path to pass Bywater Farm and with care join ring road PBWay SP and using pavements walk half a mile uphill towards Black Moor Lane, near to Moor Allerton Centre where a No 51 bus stops. This will take you back into Leeds City centre. 10

11 Section TWO Meanwood Park to Harewood 7.5 Miles If you are joining the Camino here, from the bus stop at junction of ring road and Black Moor Road, walk with care down ring road towards Leeds and TR at PBWay SP at Bywater farm and go down hill and cross the bridge and follow path to R, muddy in places which shortly rejoins the Camino. CONTINUE ALONG this sometimes stony path as it follows the stream after 500 yds or so at big fork in path in a glade of trees, here railings are just visible on R, here we bear R to go down and walk along side of the Seven Arches. This was an aqueduct, crossing stream bear L at SP MWVT / DWL. Yellow arrows point the way up thro a mature birch wood to a path crossroads going straight forward. Go down and cross stream and up steps. Pass a small pond and bear R up a muddy path (initially) follow yellow arrows. Bear L by sports field on RHS and then shortly go L at fork. Ignore PFS sign which goes L. Emerge in 130 yards at picnic area. Follow MWVT signs going L, walk thro into Car Park and TAKE CARE cross minor road. Go up path PBWay SP uphill to and go thro gate, follow field edge path, thro gateway (no longer has a gate) along wooded path with Headingley Golf Club (GC) on LHS. Eventually emerge at Kings Lane. TAKE CARE cross busy minor road. (Ignore yellow arrow pointing L) Follow PFS, pass buildings and the practice ground for GC on LHS. At end of hedge go over stile and cross field, Eccup Reservoir is just visible thro trees ahead. At the next stile, by two trees, TL, DWL (Leeds - Ilkley Link). Go up field, to cross the first of 2 stiles, one at top and one at bottom of wood on RHS, behind which we see Eccup Reservoir. At bottom of hill go up and cross fields, use pathway thro any growing crops, to reach stile by gate PBWay SP, TR onto tarmac road continue to junction with Village Road then TL left uphill on follow this round keeping R to join Eccup Lane CARE with traffic. Bear R, at first PFS on RHS go over narrow stile (LCWay) CARE watch thorny bushes. Cross 2 fields (stile in middle) at 2 nd stile TL (LCWay) walk on fenced and hedged path, go on and through wooded area, follow LCWay signs. 11

12 At Green bridleway sign (Harewood Estate) (HE) sign, TR and walk along side of wood, until a bridleway goes L across field with a hedge on your RHS, thro field opening and a hedge is now on your LHS. At 2 nd Green bridleway sign (HE), TR along track and at end TL at HE sign. SP LCWay. Walk up past restored/renovated farm buildings on LHS the top one is now called Holdgate Farm (On OS Map 297 named as Stub House Farm). For the followers of Emmerdale, we walk on passing the end of the road into the village with appropriate keep out signage!!go straight forward, just after farm entrance, here we say goodbye to the LCWay. We are about to enter the Harewood Estate and grounds and please note that several roadways are marked private, so please kindly observe this request. We go downhill bearing L (Ignore the top path going L). Follow blue arrows and at T junction TR and continue descending. Bear L at Ebor Way (EBW) (Green), and PBWay SP. Go down and through gate (adjacent to buildings) and enter the Harewood House Estate, walk down the track towards the Fish Pond. Bear L and go over cattle grid (EBW) SP passing what was once the walled garden (sadly now used as storage yard for stones and timber). Going uphill at next PBWay SP, TL onto tarmac road, follow the road, downhill and going over bridge and go up the hill to wooden gate, thro gate and Harewood Yard is on RHS, with East Yard on your LHS and continuing uphill (between the white lines for your safety) and thro gate at top and into the Harewood Park, on the metalled roadway go to the four way cross roads SP and TR. We continue straight along this roadway for approx a mile until at gate, we exit the park and join Church Lane, at rear of Village Hall, on L is Muddy Boots Café, go forward to reach the main Leeds Harrogate road. TAKE CARE ON THE VERY, VERY BUSY HARROGATE LEEDS (A 61) ROAD!! PT: You have now walked 11 miles and the choice is yours, cross the road main with care and catch Red and Black No 36 Bus the Leeds/Harrogate/Ripon route, (check bus times) the buses are approximately every 15 mins in both directions, dependent on day and time. To continue on is our plan and the next major port of call will be Harrogate some 9.5 miles distant!! 12

13 Section THREE Harewood House to Harrogate 9.5 Miles If you have arrived at Harewood by No 36 bus, which stops close to the entrance to Harewood House, walk towards Harrogate and the end of Church Lane. CONTINUING FROM SECTION TWO: At the end of Church Lane TL and walk along pavement until end of pavement by last house WITH GREAT CARE CROSS THE VERY BUSY ROAD onto opposite pavement go L downhill 200 yards to PFS here turn onto track and walk down, over the stile by a gate towards the River Wharfe. At Yellow FP by the river TL and walk along the riverside path for 0.75 miles until you TR and cross a wooden foot bridge and emerge by PFS, here TR onto the VERY VERY BUSY A61 walk across the narrow stone bridge. (If in a group please walk in single file across this busy road bridge as it is very narrow and carries much heavy traffic!!!!) We now enter the County of North Yorkshire. At the end of the houses - Bridge Croft TR, we now have to walk back along the River Wharfe bridges on this wide river are few indeed!! The tarmac quickly gives way to a track, follow this river side path for approx 0.75 miles and as the LH hedge finishes and fields open out, bear L on track between 2 fields. Note: there should be the line of trees you passed on the opposite bank of the river in view at this point). At end of field cross a small flat bridge and go through a gate PBWay sign. At end of the next field, go over a flat concrete bridge to cross stream and go up the track ahead. After passing a very wide gateway, and by a tree at small wooden footbridge TL go thro gate and keeping to gap between the crops go up to and thro the next gate. Now aim to R of barn ahead, thro a gate, and TL onto road and walk past Low Barrowby Cottage. 13

14 Walk along road, with care until you pass Swindon Grange Farm on L. Opposite the red bricked detached house on L, go thro gate, small yellow footpath marker on post. STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THE ROUTE IN ITALICS THE AUTHOR NOTE: It is not possible to see all the six fields to be crossed. There are often cattle in the far fields. To avoid them, and especially if walking with your dog, simply carry on the road, with care - TR at SP to Kirkby Overblow and passing Swindon Lodge on R, follow road to arrive by bench on LHS in Kirby Overblow. You can walk up field to stile, going over stile. Go down the next field, to cross a small bridge and go thro gate. Walk up the field ahead to the next stile, yellow arrows, aiming just to R of white post seen ahead. Go over next stile cross a brook and over second stile. Go up the field, thro gate ahead and then bear R at 45 0 to cross field in front of large white house to go thro a gate in the opposite hedge and then TL up to stile and pole PFS, walk up between beech and conifer hedges and a short flight of steps to emerge in Kirkby Overblow!!! The bench is across road. You have been warned! " There is a bench across the road!! Just after the bench TL thro gate PFS, up a wet, short steep path which emerges onto a house driveway, just beyond the gas lamp go over stone stile. Go straight forward, ignoring gate to L. Continue to next stone stile and TR on to road and then in 40 yds on opposite side TL PFS thro gate, and walk onto next stile TR and with care cross the road go over stile and follow path uphill thro field to top RH corner, going over stile, there is a cemetery on your L!!! Cross a small field to stile ahead and cross the small farm road. Follow the narrow path opposite, (Cover exposed arms and legs or get stung by nettles) between wall and barbed wire fence for about 200 yards, carrying on a narrow path through trees and bushes to a gate and stile. Go R thro and down field to cross small bridge, now walk three field lengths following a line parallel to the overhead power line. Walk past a farm in the process of large and comprehensive refurbishment on LHS and join farm track which after passing two barns emerges onto the busy A658. CROSS ROAD, WITH GREAT CARE TO PBWay SP OPPOSITE 14

15 Thro the gate by PBWay SP immediately go R then in 20 yds thro 2 nd gate, TL PBWay SP, and uphill to the top of Follifoot Ridge, (Pannal GC is on LHS) going thro gate onto road by PBway Sp. WITH CARE CROSS ROAD to PBway SP on opposite side PT: Pannal station for trains to Leeds (every 30 mins) is approx 1 mile to the L. You will have to cross A61; the No 36 Bus Route also goes thro Pannal. Walk down thro mixed wood with pine trees, at T junction bear R and exit by gate. The magnificent 26 arches of Crimple Valley Viaduct come into view!! TR and follow a wet and muddy path for 200 yards and continue on to bridge to cross railway and thro a gate, we descend the fields ahead, crossing the line of a disused railway and down to the bridge in the valley bottom crossing River Crimple. Once over bridge go R at PBway SP and on to next gate here we TL PBway SP and go uphill Fulwith Mill is being renovated to the right. At the T junction at the top of the hill, we start and navigate our way to the centre of Harrogate. We go R (Blue SP: Harrogate 1, Hornbeam 1, Town Centre 2½) and follow Ringway Footpath signs and cross the railway. On joining road at entrance to Hornbeam Park TL and cross road then in 30 yds TR follows Ringway and PBWay SP. PT : You can TL here and walk along road to Hornbeam Station SP 0.5 miles (Oatlands on OS Map 297) and trains to Leeds (every 30mins) Or carry on onto main A61 and No 36 Bus to Leeds every 15 mins Follow PBWay sign, ignore PFS sign going R, and cross stream and go up hill. TL at path junction with a multitude of signs and ignore path to R. Going uphill we arrive at T junction. Here we TL, Blue SP: Stray ¾ and Town centre 1¾ Walk along roadway to gate with school and convent on RHS. Thro gate and using crossing to L, cross the road and walk straight ahead along Oatlands Drive, passing St. Aidan CE School on LHS, to reach the Stray, for the station and St. Robert s church. 15

16 Once at the Stray, walk diagonally across the wide expanse of grass to the far LH corner adjacent to the busy road on the opposite side of the stray. Cross road Stray Rein and cross railway. Use Pelican crossing, cross road to enter Station Parade opposite. St. Robert s Church is on Robert Street (2 nd on the L) HG1 1HP St. Joseph s Church is at 281 Skipton Road, HG1 3HD St. Aelred of Rievaulx Church 71 Woodland Drive HG2 7BE There are cafes and bars and a Waitrose Supermarket along this street. PT: The railway station is another 400 yards along the road on the RHS Trains to Leeds - all stations Knaresboro and to York. (Every 30 mins) The bus station is another 50 yards beyond!!! Buses: (Every 15 mins) Leeds No 36 departs from stand 7 Ripon No 36 leaves from stand 8. No doubt very tired if you have walked all the way from Leeds you have earned a good nights rest! Tomorrow, we make tracks for Ripley Castle, Markington, with an optional de-tour to Fountains Abbey or the magnificent 13 th Century Markenfield Hall, with its beautifully restored Hall and Chapel, and finally along the River Skell to arrive in Ripon. 16

17 Section FOUR Harrogate to Ripon Option via How Hill and Fountains Abbey an extra - 12 Miles 4.5 Miles We resume our Camino from outside Harrogate Railway Station. Walk down to and pass the Bus Station, use Pelican to cross the lower Bus entrance and TR to go thro low tunnel under railway. TL and walk down street to the end 120 yds, Cross road with care. Walk along the pillared walkway alongside of ASDA, then walk thro ASDA car park to the exit adjacent to coach park just beyond. Here, we join the Nidderdale Cycle Way (NCW) Blue SP 67. Which starts by going downhill and we walk alongside the railway. We now follow this cycleway (a former railway line) for the next 4 miles to Ripley. Shortly, we go over the railway, then along the back of houses, behind the trees, thro a car park (1.25 miles) and pass an information board about Nidd Gorge. Next passing three Steel characters and crossing the Nidd Viaduct, with extensive views to LHS, the Viaduct Wood recently having be felled and now re-planted, and the river gorge to RHS. The cycleway eventually emerges onto the old A61 road, go up R to the Pelican crossing cross the main road with care and following the cycleway to the R. Here we pass Le Monument a memory of the Tour de France!!! Continue on and thro the Car Park, (WC s open 8am - 8pm), we now enter the picturesque village of Ripley. Note: Here we leave the Nidderdale Cycle Way and now follow the Nidderdale Way signs (Curlew in a circle). Ripley offers plenty of refreshment opportunities, we walk along the main street and at the last house, we bear L going thro gate and along wide track (former road) 150yds to its end to emerge on B6165. We can now follow signs for the Nidderdale Way (NW) 17

18 PT: The No 36 Leeds Harewood Harrogate - Ripon bus stops are in the centre of the village. Buses every 15 mins check timetables Cross the busy road with care. Walk up Birthwaite Lane, PBWay SP and NW SP for Cayton Gill. After passing Birthwaite House and Barn and were the tarmac ends at NW SP we bear R. Lots of pheasant rearing pens hereabouts. Thro next gate and over cattle grid and bear L at NW SP. Just follow this pathway as it makes its way through woods and meadows (in springtime a carpet of blue bells). The path descends (2 benches) and then after crossing a small beck starts to rise between trees and goes thro a gate and up along fenced path, thro gates NW SP down thro a small coppice and into a level area of gorse bushes and trees, watch carefully for two blue arrows and wind pump. At T junction and TR by 2nd blue arrow, the wind pump can be seen ahead. Here we leave the Nidderdale Way. The path rises steeply for a short distance to gate, (the wind pump is to L), then we cross a small meadow to enter High Cayton, site of the Medieval Village of Cayton. By walking through the farm buildings and pass a number of houses before we TL PBWay SP and go on track into fields, in 80 yds., at fork, we take RH path, and go under power line, (power pole L just off path). Go along field, thro gate and go straight ahead, thro next field with intermittent hedge on LHS. TR at field end, and walk to gateway in hedge with Blue PBway, sign on gatepost. Go thro gate and cross field and after second gate follow track thro Hicks Hall, with a beautiful if slightly down at heel redbrick farmhouse to L. Walk along farm track and enter the hamlet of Markington, continue down along roads finally TL into Back Lane, here at crossroad (Pub - The Yorkshire Hussar to R). PT (If required): Follow SP for Wormald Green a good mile along the road for A61 and No. 36 Bus - Ripon Leeds service approx. every 15 mins Cross road with care and walk on Westerns Lane go over beck and TR at PBWay SP a circle with six points symbol of the Ripon Rowel Walk (RRW). 18

19 Walk along to cottage adjacent to Markington cricket and football fields, thro gate RRW SP, walk round edge of field passing clubhouse and onto football pitch, go L and up short steps and through hedge behind goalposts! Go forward Yellow PBway arrow and walk along edge of field path with hedge to LHS, to gate and RRW SP, cross field to gate by Waterloo Farm, and road just ahead. We are now in Ingerthorpe, at Waterloo Farm we TL PBway, RRW SP and walk up narrow tree lined path until we emerge thro trees onto a tarmac track RRW SP, here TR and walk down road to small crossroads. We TL, RRW SP and immediately, TL into field PBWay SP. It feels like we are walking back from we have come from we are in fact now walking towards the hidden gem that is Markenfield Hall. It is the finest example of a 13 th Century Moated Hall in country. It has been lovingly restored since the 1990 s. The restoration of the Great Hall won an award and the Chapel has been lovingly repaired and restored. English Heritage has given the Hall a Grade 1 listing. Mass is said here occasionally, please contact website ( for both Mass times and opening hours. Also, useful to check the website of St. Wilfrid s, Ripon ( or ( for Mass times, usually early evening. The early history of Markenfield, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book, is closely linked with the development of the nearby Fountains Abbey, founded in We walk along track bridleway (there might a signpost lying on the ground in the hedge to L) opposite the gate and stile (RRW SP) on R here you have OPTIONS and DECISIONS We can follow the main path to Markenfield and Whitcliffe Hall a matter of 1.5 miles, by going through the gate. (Main Route) Or you can make a detour to walk to and up How Hill and the former Chapel of St. Michael and the chance to walk along the grounds adjacent to Fountains Abbey re-joining the main path at Whitcliffe Hall some 4.5 miles, by continuing along the present track known as Strait Lane. (Fountains Abbey Loop) 19

20 Main Route to Whitcliffe Hall. 1.5 Miles Go over stile by gate, RRW SP and cross 4 fields towards Markenfield Hall which is now ahead of us, complete with pointed turret and crenellations. At gate, we TR RRW SP and walk along in front of the farm buildings with Markenfield Hall only fully coming fully into view at gap between the farm buildings on LHS. IT IS WORTH A LOOK AND A VISIT. See website details Page 19 We carry on down the farm track and at end of barn we TL going thro green gate RRW SP, go up field with views of Hall and Moat to LHS, go further up field (ignoring white arrow pointing L) to reach stile RRW SP and cross field to plank bridge and narrow stone stile, here TL and follow field edge round to next field gap and keeping hedge to LHS, down to gate ahead RRW SP, Bland Close farm is up to R, go up field with hedge on LHS to gate at top, go over cattle grid and join tarmac farm road. Bear L and we walk down lane (ignore a track going L) getting our first glimpse of Ripon Cathedral in the distance. We continue down the lane until we reach Whitcliffe Farm and Hall on RHS. Here the Fountains Abbey Loop rejoins the Main Route. Fountains Abbey Loop to Whitcliffe Hall 4.5 Miles (These directions are from a leaflet published by Markenfield Hall) Continue up Strait Lane, a narrow lane, probably very old and is called a Holloway. Carry on uphill for a good half mile, passing Christmas tree plantations on both sides go forward to reach a gate. Following the way marked path along the edge of the field with a hedge on RHS. How Hill can be seen to your L. At the field end, go thro metal gate in corner into next field with hedge now on RHS. Go thro next metal gate at end, and then in next field go R across the field to reach a third metal gate. In the next field corner, take the gap in the hedge to L of metal gate to walk along permissive path with the hedge now on R, to a metal gate. TL, here onto Whitcliffe Lane. Care no pavements, so please walk facing the on-coming traffic. Walk to T junction with How Hill Road, here TR - SP Fountains Abbey, which is 0.75 miles along road. 20

21 To visit How Hill and its fine views, TL and in 75 yd., go thro gate on R and walk uphill to former chapel of St. Michael. Views to Ripon Cathedral, York Minister, Selby Abbey and White Horse on Sutton Bank to the N.E. Return downhill to gate and TL and walk down road towards Fountains Abbey. Care this can be a busy road. For more information about opening times and access to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, visit: Pass How Hill Cottages on L continue downhill, road goes L and then R by caravans. Remains of the Monk Wall are visible on LHS and at end of wood on L and as road levels out TR thro gate with National Trust (NT) and PBWay signs. If wishing to visit Fountains Abbey simply continue down the road until you reach the entrance, there is currently an entrance fee of per adult. The grassy path leads straight on with the remains of the Abbey Wall on RHS; continue past a pond in small wood to your L. Stop at the telegraph pole for views of Fountains Hall. (A little further ahead aiming for two large trees to L, for a fine view of Tower of Fountains Abbey and other parts of Abbey and its grounds.) Return to path continue past two more ponds, go thro gate (ignore wooden gate to L) and keep to track, down field fence follow way-marks then TR thro metal gate and along track, farm house appears on L, follow track as it swings L crossing a stone bridge. This is Hill House farm, go thro gate at other side of bridge. Follow way marks to TR in front of large barn then TL FPS, and TR in front of more cattle sheds to gate and FPS. Thro gate, with a hedge on your RHS, at end of hedge bear slightly L downhill and cross field to gate into a wood. Go into wood and follow path, passing a stone arched gateway, an entrance to the now demolished Mackershaw Lodge. It is now an entrance to Studley Park and Studley Royal and deer park, red-deer maybe seen here. Continue along the wide path for 2/3rds of a mile and path descends to a junction of paths. 21

22 Go straight forward, ignore path coming up from L., following path uphill to gate and RRW SP. Thro gate and continue straight on following a line of trees towards a gate. Go thro gate and TL you are now at Whitcliffe Hall and have rejoined the Main Route. Main Route continuation From Whitcliffe Farm and Hall walk down Whitcliffe Lane, with fine views of our destination - Ripon Cathedral in the distance almost there!!! Shortly, we pass Whitcliffe Wood with a nature trail on LHS, go thro gate and follow a path that runs parallel to road and then TL when fence is reached at edge of wood and go to gate. Go thro gate TL and walk along field path to emerge onto lane by Hellwath Cottage. By information board Sanctuary Way we TR in front of wooden gate and follow path into woods. Walk down thro the woods for 0.75 mile keeping to L to walk near River Skell. Continue along path keeping River Skell on LHS, eventually, reaching a flight of steps which go down L, to river bank. Continue along on riverside path, ignoring the footbridge, and eventually emerging by Skell Cottage, walk to end of Borrage Green Lane. There is a children s playground on L. At junction, with main road, we TL. Care busy main road, walking on main road, following the road as it goes L over river and then at TF Lights bear R at a Brown SP for Cathedral. Walk along Water Skellgate, use Pelican to cross this busy road walk onto roundabout, here we TL and walk up Bedfern Bank and Ripon Cathedral is 200 yds on the right. WELL DONE INDEED IF YOU HAVE GOT TO RIPON CATHEDRAL, THIS PILGRIMAGE JOURNEY MIGHT HAVE ENDED THERE ARE STILL LOTS MORE CAMINOS TO WALK!! DO TRY THEM THE REWARDS AS YOU WILL HAVE DISCOVERED ARE MANY. GOD BLESS Stephen Habron, (Revised) September

23 St. Wilfrid s, Catholic Church in Ripon. Coltsgate Hill, HG4 2AB Sunday Mass: Vigil 5.30 pm; Sunday am Go into the Market Square and aim for the far LH corner and enter North St. Walk along to TF Lights and TL up Coltsgate Hill. The impressive glass and stone tower and Church of St. Wilfrid s is on the L. PUBLIC TRANSPORT PT: Opposite Cathedral follow SP s, for Bus Station, which leads you to cross Sainsbury s car park with care, for Bus Station. No. 36 Bus service Ripon Harrogate Harewoood - Leeds leaves from Stand 1 Please do check for bus and train times. BUS For Section ONE Meanwood Bus No. 51 runs to from Leeds Bus Station to Black Moor Road just off the Ring Road. For Sections TWO / THREE / FOUR Harewood Pannal Harrogate - Ripley Ripon As you will have read there is an excellent No. 36 bus service between Leeds Harewood Harrogate Ripley Ripon. The buses generally run every 15 mins. TRAIN For Sections THREE / FOUR For stations to Harrogate Leeds to Harrogate, calling at Pannal and Hornbeam Park, Harrogate every 30 mins. 23

24 The practice of pilgrimage has a special place in the Holy Year, because it represents the journey each of us makes in the life. Pope Francis 2 nd Impression (Revised) September