OUR LADY OF THE CRAG, KNARESBOROUGH

ST. WILFRID S WAY AND OUR LADY OF THE CRAG, KNARESBOROUGH LEEDS CATHEDRAL ROUNDHAY PARK SHADWELL EAST KESWICK WOOD HALL SICKINGHALL SPOFFORTH KNARESBOROUGH, OUR LADY OF THE CRAG RIPLEY MARKINGTON MARKENFIELD HALL FOUNTAINS ABBEY (Optional) RIPON

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

CAMINO TO RIPON CATHEDRAL Camino means the path or the way Walk, a Camino from Diocesan Cathedral of St. Anne, Leeds to Ripon Cathedral 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 From the Cathedral 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. Wilfred 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 Service / Mass for Pilgrims in Ripon Cathedral, which was dedicated to St. Peter by St. Wilfrid in 672, on WEDNESDAY 18 TH 2017 at 11.00 am. 3

The booklet describes a Camino from St. Anne s Cathedral, Leeds to Knaresborough and Ripon. It follows old paths and has been planned with a minimum of road walking. It makes full use of public bridleways and footpaths, transformed railway lines and riverside walks, and green spaces in urban areas. The Camino is approximately 30 miles in length, 24.5 miles of which are offroad walking. The Way is relatively flat, with only minor ups and downs! Outline of the route from St. Anne s Cathedral is as follows: via Bus from New Briggate to Roundhay Park. Starting our Camino here, we walk through, Roundhay Park, to Shadwell, and Wike and onto East Keswick. (6.4 Miles) Crossing the River Wharfe, we pass Woodhall on through the villages of Sicklinghall and Spofforth, (5.6 miles) walking along Crimple Beck and via the River Nidd to the Chapel of Lady of the Crag, Knaresborough. (5.2 Miles). You will have walked 17.2 miles from the Cathedral Leaving Knaresborough along Waterside and the Beryl Burton Cycleway we join at Bilton (2.5 miles) the Nidderdale Cycle Way to arrive in Ripley, in (2.5 miles) Here, we join the Nidderdale Way, to reach the medieval village of Cayton. Leaving the Nidderdale Way, we pass through the village of Markington, walking on the Ripon Rowel Way passing Ingerthorpe, and arriving at the charming 13 th Century Markenfield Hall. On towards Whitcliffe Hall, here we can decide to make a detour through the estate grounds of Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal and Studley Roger, (an extra 3.5 miles) to rejoin the main route at Hell Wath Cottage. Or you can simply continue to walk straight ahead into Whitcliffe Wood to Hell Wath Cottage and along the River Skell to Ripon and its Cathedral dedicated to St. Peter and containing the tomb of St. Wilfrid, (Section distance 10.3 miles). 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! 4

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, East Keswick, Spofforth, approaching Knaresborough, Ripley and Ripon. There are only 5.5 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 20-30 mins, this helps 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 15 + 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 pages 22 & 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. 5

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 2.5 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, 30 miles is a long way!!!! Consider walking over 2 or 3 days using this booklet as your guide. The walk has been split into 5 sections, with good public transport connections. Knaresborough at half way would be a good overnight stop. Remember Ripon Cathedral is open daily from 08.30 to 18.00 Section ONE SECTION TOTAL SECTION Track Road Miles Miles Time Hrs Leeds Cathedral to Roundhay 5.1 1.3 6.4 6.4 2.6 and then onto East Keswick Section TWO East Keswick to Spofforth 4.4 1.2 5.6 12.0 2.25 Section THREE Spofforth to Knaresborough 4.0 1.2 5.2 17.2 2.0 Section FOUR Knaresborough to Bilton 2.0 0.5 2.5 19.7 1.0 Section FIVE Bilton to Ripon 9.0 1.3 10.3 30.0 4.25 The Optional Walk to Fountains Abbey adds a further 3.5 miles. Road is one with regular traffic e.g. A658 / B6165 or C roads. Tracks are public footpaths / bridleways and minor farm roads. 6

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 GSP Green Signpost PBWay SP - Public B/Way Signpost SP Signpost FPS Footpath Sign (Blue) FP - Footpath Post usually with yellow arrows YMP - Marker post with Yellow Arrow TF Lights Traffic Lights CH Club House 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 pages 22 & 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! OS MAPS USED: 289 LEEDS (Harrogate, Wetherby and Pontefract) OS EXPLORER 297 Lower Wharfedale & Wasburn Valley OS EXPLORER 298 NIDDERDALE OS EXPLORER 7

Section ONE 6.4 Miles Roundhay to Shadwell 2.0 miles Shadwell to East Keswick 4.4 miles Leave St Anne s Cathedral and walk down Cookridge St. to the Headrow and TL. Walk along, the Headrow and TL into New Briggate. PT: Catch No 12 Bus to Roundhay from Stand N1. Buses every 10 mins. Get off the bus at the Terminus by entrance to Roundhay Park with its large ornamental gates. TAKE CARE use Pelican to cross road. Enter Roundhay Park and walk along avenue of trees. Past the Mansion on LHS where public toilets are available and opposite Bandstand, TL and going uphill to The Mansion Car Park on RHS here TR go downhill towards lake, then TL cross a bridge and then TL into Ram Wood,. Emerging from wood TR and then, bear R at sign for Roundhay Golf Club. Walk along drive and pass the CH and Pros Shop onto a track and bear L, pass YMP and walk down through avenue of trees. TAKE CARE as you cross fairway flying golf balls. At YMP go L down path through a wood over a bridge and TL going uphill to the Ring Road. TAKE CARE as you cross this VERY BUSY road. To PFS across road and follow this well made path as it follows a stream and emerges into field and goes up to a gate into Shadwell. TR and TAKE CARE as you cross road. PT: Bus stop for 7S bus to Leeds. For those continuing the next port of call is EAST KESWICK TL opposite Scout and Guide HQ onto Holywell Lane, (Red Lion Pub is 20 yds along Main Street). At T junction by children s playground, TR at PBWay SP and walk onto M & J Nurseries (trade only). Here TL at PBWay SP and go down a 8

tree lined path which emerges onto farm road (Hall Farm entrance to your left). We TR and at road junction (50yds) TL by Brandon Cottage, then walk along road to a further T junction ahead. TAKE CARE as you cross road to PBWay SP and follow this track (muddy in winter) until it joins a road, here TR and then TL onto Forge Lane, Wike. In 50 yds go forward at X roads. (2 benches LHS). Walk on LHS on the grass verge which then joins pavement, go downhill and then uphill, round corners and downhill again to junction with Fortshot Lane. TAKE CARE as you cross road, at track entrance to Low Green Farm (it is a PBWay) go into farm yard passing barn on RHS, TR at end of barn and go thro gate onto hedge lined track (very muddy in winter). At end of 1 st field on LHS, TL at junction by gates for two more fields. Go up hedge lined lane to next junction and TR (here there are LCW signs on a fallen SP to your left by gateway) continuing on PBWay and go through a gate to pass Biggin Farm, on RHS. Exiting farm yard, thro a gate and walk along track which reduces to single track, going straight forward through a gate LCW, and cross two more fields with hedges on LHS and at next gate TL LCW go down hill. Follow path as it goes R and then TL where path goes downhill. At bottom the track goes R to emerge onto farm road. You pass entrance to Gateon House Farm on LHS, go straight forward. At a junction of paths, we leave LCW and bear L at PBWay SP going through the path in woods downhill on this track until it emerges by PBWay SP at road junction and TR onto road. Walk into East Keswick. At T junction, across road, there is a Red Telephone box and postbox. PT: Bus stop(s) at T Junction buses to Leeds and Wetherby X99. For those walking on, we start Section Two to Spofforth, a good 4 miles away. 9

Section TWO 5.6 Miles East Keswick to Spofforth Refreshments may be available at The Old Star ((TR at junction opposite the Bus Stop and approximately 0.1 miles on the RHS) or The Duke of Wellington (approximately 0.15 miles beyond The Old Star on the LHS). We leave East Keswick from the Bus stop opposite Red Telephone box and Post box and walk uphill through village and keeping to RHS pavement, we eventually arrive at the junction of Crabtree Lane with A659, we pass some seats and a small picnic area by a Car Park on LHS. PT: Bus stops opposite picnic area for buses to Leeds and Wetherby X99 TAKE CARE as you cross this VERY BUSY road. Go down PBWay (SP) and follow path downhill and then bearing R until we cross a footbridge over the River Wharfe. Continue along track thro gate. PBWay and go uphill, with old walled gardens of Wood Hall to RHS. On joining concrete track TR and go through gate and enter wood. Carry on straight forward and at the tarmac driveways walk straight on across the path between two lawns. Pass the model Heron and walk on through buildings to emerge by white gate at rear of Wood Hall. (Note: Refreshments may be available at Wood Hall). Bear L and walk up to entrance for Wood Hall, Wetherby Carmel Monastery founded in 1969. Bear R going down then just before car park, TL PBWay SP and on path into woods, which emerges onto track that goes uphill and past Sicklinghall House (very muddy in winter). At top bear L and then R onto tarmac drive, at end of drive, 10

MAIN ROUTE: TL thro gate along PBWay and thro a Coppice and gate and then at 2 nd gate TR and follow field edge path with hedge on LHS to emerge onto Back Lane. OPTION if Main Route is very wet and muddy: at end of drive, continue along tarmac road, eventually to pass houses and then TL onto Back Lane. You can also continue forward to join the main road and TL walking thro village of Sicklinghall along the village street up to St. Peter s Church. MAIN ROUTE At end of Back Lane, TL and pass Church of St. Peter (bench). Walk on passing school and pond (both on LHS) and TAKE CARE as you cross road at PBWay SP, (Note: SP on opposite side of road) Walk along hardcore track and bear right passing a farm entrance (J&E Medcalf) on LHS At next PBWay SP go through the gate and continue through open fields. Go thro gap in hedge and TR (This bypasses Whin Lane Farm) the path then goes L at edge of field full of young Christmas trees. Follow this track (Whins Lane on OS Map) until it joins road. TR here and walk on until you join main road TAKE CARE busy road (A661) here TL, and walk into village of Spofforth. PT: Buses to Harrogate and Wetherby. 770 / 771 Continue thro Spofforth on LHS shops and Castle Inn / Londis (Refreshments: sandwiches, cakes, coffees and drinks available), go straight forward at roundabout, cross School Lane, go forward to Manorgarth. Passing a Bus stop by shelter. The grounds of Spofforth Castle and a picnic area and tables can be found on LHS. There are information boards giving a brief history. 11

Section THREE 5.2 Miles Spofforth to Knaresborough Starting from the picnic area, TAKE CARE as you cross road. Walk on 50 yds and TR onto Beech Lane. Then we cross Clive Road and walk on to Mill Lane. At bottom of Mill Lane is the Old Corn Mill with a large grinding wheel at its entrance. Follow FP sign by (LH gate post)and walk alongside fence and over small arched bridge and going L follow track and go over narrow bridge to cross Crimple Beck or River Crimple, to gate and TL. We now follow the delightful river side path for the next 1.5 miles, crossing three stiles. There are some amazing rock formations across the fields on RHS along this walk. Eventually we emerge by FPS at a stone bridge, TR onto road and TAKING CARE follow road for approx 500yds using LH verge wherever possible, to T junction with A661 TAKE CARE as you cross this VERY BUSY ROAD. TL and walk 100yds to PBWay SP go thro the gate and walk on the old tarmac road for 0.75 miles. To emerge onto the race track that is A658, opposite junction of B6163 SP Knaresborough and Calcutt. TAKE CARE as you cross this VERY BUSY ROAD. Once safely across the main road immediately cross the B6163 and go thro gate at PBWay SP and walk along this muddy track thro trees alongside the main road. At junction of several paths TL Walk approximately 50 yards and bear L at next PBWay SP and go over stile to emerge from wood at the corner of a large field with hedge on LHS. Note; Cattle may be in this field. Walk to end of hedge on LHS. Then walk straight forward across open field aiming for the Church spire seen ahead on skyline. The field then 12

descends to a railed fence and gate ahead. Go thro gate and walking straight forward and still towards the spire, with care descend to path alongside the River Nidd going L. We now follow the riverside path towards Knaresborough. This path can be muddy and slippery TAKE CARE The path emerges after crossing a field at Thistle Cottage on RHS, go straight forward following PFS (YELLOW) until you reach a three way marker post. Continue straight ahead and emerge onto tarmac road, between houses - follow the tarmac road to its end named Spittal Croft - by a house called The Boat House.and TR and passing Mother Shiptons Inn on LHS cross the bridge. TR, on Abbey Road for the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, which is 150 yds along the road, up to the R. Note: Chapel Open Sunday s April to September, 2pm 4pm The Chapel is now run by a newly formed Trust, for more details please contact its Chairman at chrismaunder@tiscali.co.uk After visiting the Shrine retrace steps to the bridge. TAKE CARE as you cross road and walk along Waterside. This will take you past a Car Park, cafes, including Marigold and Black Mulberry and WC s and a pub. PT: For the Rail Station escape Waterside by ascending Gallons Steps (RHS) - 99 of them situated just before viaduct to emerge by the Station. There are also other escape routes into town follow signposts. Trains run every 30 mins to Harrogate and Leeds or for stations to York. 13

Continue along Waterside going under Railway viaduct, passing the black and white chequered board building on LHS, The Old Manor House. Passing PJ Ices and The Worlds End Pub by a Pelican crossing This is the start point for the final section of 2.5 miles to Bilton (and Ripley and eventually Ripon) joining the cycle way from Harrogate. You have now arrived in Knaresborough. The town centre is up the hill Bond End to the R. The Catholic Church of St Mary is passed, please note the entrance is round the back, or can be accessed by walking down Church Lane. St. Mary s Church, Bond End HG5 9AW Tel: 01423 862388 www.stmaryknaresborough.org 14

Section FOUR 2.5 Miles Knaresborough to Bilton Leave Knaresborough by The Worlds End Pub, at end of Waterside by Pelican crossing, crossing the road WITH CARE and TL Walking across bridge and opposite entrance to Mother Shiptons Cave TR into Beryl Burton Cycleway; Blue SP; Bilton 2; Harrogate 4; Ripley 5 Simply follow the cycleway through parkland and as it goes uphill and eventually emerges by the entrance for Bilton Hall (private nursing home). Here, cross the road and go forward along tarmac path. Passing Farfield House on LHS. Carry on and pass Pet Hotel on LHS and further on Bilton Caravan Park. Track then joins into road and we follow this downhill passing the Gardeners Arms on RHS. Go uphill and TR to join the Nidderdale Greenway passing information board about Nidd Gorge. There is a Car Park on the left. SP Ripley 2.5 miles 15

Section FIVE 10.8 Miles Bilton to Ripon Option via Fountains Abbey Estate and Studley Roger, Do not forget walking the Option adds an extra 3.5 Miles Walking along the cycleway, originally the railway line, 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) PT: The No 36 Leeds Harewood Harrogate - Ripon bus stops are in the centre of the village. Buses every 15 mins check timetables WITH CARE Cross the busy road. 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. 16

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. Note: Cattle may be in this field. 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 WITH CARE Cross road 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). 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, over stile 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. Here we TL, RRW SP and immediately, TL again into path 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. 17

It is the finest example of a 13 th Century Moated Hall in the country. It has been lovingly restored since the 1990 s. IT IS WORTH A LOOK AND A VISIT. See website details below. 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 (www.markenfield.com) for both Mass times and opening hours. Also, useful to check the website of St. Wilfrid s, Ripon (www.saintwilfrids.org.uk) or (www.strobertsharrogate.co.uk) 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 1132. 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). 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. Note; Cattle may be in these fields. 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. 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. Follow field edge path 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, going uphill to track junction, (ignore a track going L) with picnic table. We walk down lane getting our first glimpse of Ripon Cathedral in the distance. We continue down the lane until we reach Whitcliffe Farm and Hall on RHS. FOR MAIN ROUTE CONTINUATION SEE TOP PAGE 21 18

OPTIONS and DECISIONS Fountains Abbey Loop to Studley Roger 3.5 Miles For those pilgrims wishing to visit Fountains Abbey and its grounds or just the grounds here is where you leave the main route. For more information about opening times and access to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey At RRW SP on LHS go thro gate and walk up field, initially wire fences on R and L then out into open field, then follow the line of hawthorn trees down to a gate. Note; Cattle may be in this field. PBWay and RRW signs, go thro gate and down track and as track goes R, we turn sharp R following the track that goes down steep hill. TAKE CARE steep path. At the bottom of the hill bear L to footbridge over R. Skell (which has flowed past Fountains Abbey) which we cross then TL and walk on a broad grassy track to reach a large metal gate set in a wall, go thro and enter the grounds of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Estate. We follow the path and crossing five stone arched bridges as it criss-crosses the river until, between 4 th and 5 th bridge we pass on the RHS six very large and old (oak?) trees. Finally, we cross a low wooden bridge, at the outlet of the lake, which is guarded by two sphinx like creatures. Simply follow the path round the edge of the lake to reach Studley Royal Tea Rooms just before the Studley Royal entrance to the Abbey. (W.C s in Tea Rooms) The ruins of the Fountains Abbey are approximately 1 mile from this entrance. For more information about opening times and access to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey 19

If wishing to visit Fountains Abbey on reaching the entrance, there is currently an entrance fee of 13.60 per adult ( 15.00 if GAD) and free for members of the National Trust. Normally open 10.00-17.00. To continue from the Tea Rooms, we walk up the metalled road towards the Car Park and a 4 finger signpost, follow the exit sign and walk uphill to T junction. Here at the T junction of the roadway, St. Mary s Church (0.25mile) is seen to the L. (Open 1 st April to 30 th September). We TR and with care walk down side of estate road, at which point (depending on tree foliage) Ripon Cathedral comes into view, directly above the top the Gate House! We now enter the Deer Park, with the Gate House entrance to the Fountains Estate and the Abbey Wall are seen straight ahead. Approximately half-way towards the Gate House a wide grassy track can be seen going off to the L. (Look for lonely tree stump and then after 4 th tree the path starts L). The red roof of a bungalow can/may just be seen in the distance, the path should be aiming straight for it. A gate in the wall comes into view and walk towards it. Go through the gate thus leaving the Fountains Estate and walking between two wire and post fences, we emerge into Studley Roger, by a bus stop and - path SP. Crossing the road with care and walking between the houses - path SP - there is VR post box set in wall of the house on L. Walking along this gravel path, we keep to the L of April Cottage, by going thro a gate. Continue along this fenced and hedged pathway to crossroad of 4 paths. TR and continue along the fence and hedge pathway crossing a stream by a stone bridge supporting some unusual iron work. (Can you spot the bird?) Continue along this path crossing the R. Skell (again), there is a bench on R, just after which we go through a gate and re-join the Main Route you should have now arrived at Hell Wath Cottage. 20

Main Route continuation: THE Final 2 Miles From Whitcliffe Farm and Hall walk down Whitcliffe Lane, with fine views of our destination - Ripon Cathedral in the distance almost there!!! Shortly, we reach Whitcliffe Wood with a nature trail on LHS, go thro gate and follow fence (post and wire) on LHS which goes down and through the wood to arrive at a gate. Go thro gate TL and walk along field path to emerge onto lane by Hellwath Cottage. Those who have visited Fountains and Studley Roger join the Main Route here. 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 the junction, with the main road, we TL. Care busy main road, walking on pavement beside main road, following the road as it goes L over river and then R to 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 up the hill 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 21

St. Wilfrid s, Catholic Church in Ripon. Coltsgate Hill, HG4 2AB 01765 279263 Sunday Mass: Vigil 5.30 pm; Sunday 10.00 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 is on the L. PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM RIPON 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 Do not forget there is a Railway Station in Harrogate Please do check www.mymetro.com for bus and train times. PUBLIC TRANSPORT AVAILABLE IN EACH SECTION Section ONE: Cathedral to Roundhay, Shadwell and East Keswick TO ROUNDHAY from NEW BRIGGATE: Service No 12 from STOP N1 SHADWELL TO LEEDS: Service 7S EAST KESWICK TO LEEDS / WETHERBY: Service X99 Section TWO: East Keswick to Spofforth SPOFFORTH TO HARROGATE and WETHERBY: Service 770 / 771 22

Section THREE & FOUR: Spofforth to Knaresborough and Bilton SPOFFORTH TO KNARESBOROUGH: Service 770 / 771 Section FIVE: Ripley to Ripon RIPON TO LEEDS / HARROGATE / RIPON: Service No. 36 The buses generally run every 15 mins. TRAIN Railway Station at Knaresborough Trains to York / Harrogate / Leeds and stations in between every 30 mins. Railway Station off route Harrogate (1.25 miles from Bilton) Trains to York / Harrogate / Leeds and stations in between every 30 mins. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author wishes to acknowledge the help of Monsignor Philip Moger, Dean of St. Anne s Cathedral, Leeds who originally suggested the idea of producing a booklet. My thanks go to Ian Burrell and Graham for their careful checking of the route, and their helpful and constructive suggestions. Thank you also to Rowan Morton-Gledhill for so actively advertising and co-ordinating the publication of this booklet. Finally, to my wife for all her patience and encouragement, whilst I was preparing this Camino Guide. Stephen Habron, Spring 2017 23

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 3 rd Impression (Fully Revised) Spring 2017 24