11.3 miles.

Explorer Map 299, - Ripon and Boroughbridge

This is a linear walk, following the Ripon Rowel Way between West Tanfield and Ripon, and then tacking on part of the Sanctuary Way to end up in Sharow.
Although the route SHOULD be easy to navigate, once again the Ripon Rowel Way proved that it had a surprise or two in store. Just past Sleningford Mill, the footpath entered some woodland by the river bank, and then just disappeared! WE climbed up a VERY steep riverside bank to rediscover the footpath, with a notice to say that it was CLOSED due to erosion of the river bank. We disregarded this notice, and followed a path round Sleninford Grange, and made our way back to the Ripon Rowel Way at North Stainley.
Apart from this little adventure, the walk is reasonably straightforward. There are no gradients to conquer, and the footpaths are generally fairly firm.
If the River Ure is in spate, or in flood, then the walk is clearly off limits.

For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)

Start from the Church Hall car park in West Tanfield (SE26925 78853).
Head South along the road over the bridge across the River Ure, and almost immediately turn left to follow the waymarked footpath to Sleningford Mill (a caravan park). Continue past the Mill, with the river on your left.
A few hundred yards past this point, the footpath becomes very unclear. However, if you can keep ON TOP of the river bank and aim for Sleningford Grange there is a path to follow, - though a notice tells you that the path is closed due to erosion of river bank. The footpath DOES become dangerous at this point, and we can only advise you to use your own discretion as to how you proceed.
From North Stainley, the Ripon Rowel Way is then reasonably clearly waymarked, past North Parks Farm and Middle Parks Farm. However, the waymark signs MAY be obscured or difficult to see, and you must keep an eye out for them.
The Ripon Rowel Way continues past South Parks Farm and then Little Studley on the outskirts of Ripon, continuing until it meets the River Skell at SE325 709.
Here, head West for a couple of hundred yards until you see some stepping stones, crossing the River Skell, at about SE321 709. (If the River Skell cannot be crossed here, then an alternative is to cross it slightly further upstream at the main road).
Now follow the footpath East and then South East along the River Ure to Hewick Bridge.
Cross Hewick Bridge (CARE!! No pavement, narrow bridge, and heavy traffic).
Immediately over the bridge, follow the waymarked footpath to Sharow.
Sharow Cross is at SE323 720, and St. John's Church is at SE327 721.