7.5 miles.
Explorer Maps Nos 298 and 302- Nidderdale / Northallerton and
Thirsk
The first part of the walk was a circular following the
Ripon Rowel Way along the River Ure, South of Masham to Limehouse Hill.
In good weather the walk would be totally tranquil, with delightful
riverside views. However, due to very wet ground and forestry activities
in Nutwith Cote Wood the walk became something of an obstacle course.
We made the return journey along the roadway (Thorpe Road) rather than
re-experience the wet ground.
The second part of the walk was an explorationof Masham itself, taken
from "Town Trails of North Yorkshire" by Mark Reid.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from Masham market place (SE2250080731)..
Head out of the market place via Millgate, following the way marked
Ripon Rowel Walk beside the River Ure heading South.
There is a slight navigational problem at SE231798 where the path disappears
into some woodland, though there is an apparent footpath keeping out
of the woodland and following the field boundary. Ignore the path which
follows the field boundary!
Cross the River Burn by the Low Burn Bridge at SE2266379813.
Continue along the Ripon Rowel Way beside the River Ure.
When you enter Nutwith Cote Wood at SE233784 there is a sign apologising
for the state of the footpath. They mean it!
Leave Nutwith Cote Wood at SE2355977739, and take the footpath West
to Thorpe Road.
The footpath meets Thorpe Road at SE2305977484. Turn right and head
North West to follow the road back to Masha. An interesting diversion
can be made via Roomer Farm.