10.0 miles.
Explorer Map 304, - Darlington & Richmond
A walk which can be undertaken at any time of the year,
with plenty of interest and some superb views.
Although this is a "year round" walk, we found that in one
section in particular (the track beside Black Plantation) the ground
was extremely wet and muddy, and in parts was also very uneven.
There are no undue gradients, although there is a climb up the hill
from Richmond at the start of the walk (and a corresponding descent
at the end of the walk)
Navigation is very straightforward, and there are footpath signs at
all parts of the walk.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from Nun's car park in Richmond (NZ16794 01095).
A parking fee is payable.
Turn left out of the car park and head up Wellington Place. Atthe top
of Wellington Place, a gap in the wall leads to a footpath that heads
up the hill, Northwards. The footpath ends up on Green Howards Way,
a road through an industrial estate.
Turn left on Green Howards Way, and at the top of the Gallowfields Trading
Estate there is a footpath leading through a plantation.
Once through the plantation, - a very short distance, immediately turn
left and head across Low Moor. You will see the old race course grandstand
ahead of you. Take the footpath that crosses behind the grandstand,
and cross over the old race course track to a footpath that is entered
through a gap in the wall.
Follow this waymarked footpath all the way to Coalsgarth Gate (near
the remains of some lime kilns) and continue North Westwards for a short
distance.
Where the track passes through a gate at NZ140 033, there is a "cross
roads" of bridleways. Here turn right and follow the wall (on your
right) North Eastwards until you come to the minor road that runs from
Richmond to Ravensworth.
Cross this road, and to your left (but almost immediately ahead) take
the farm track through Gilling Wood. This track can be followed all
the way to Crabtree House Farm and beyond to Mill Farm (now holiday
cottages).
Just past Mill Farm there is a signposted footpath across fields to
St. Agatha's Church in Gilling West.
From the Church, take the road South until at NZ183 044 a track on your
right takes you to Aske Hall.
Continue on the road that runs in front of Aske Hall. Just past the
entrance gates of Aske Hall, leave the roadway and head across parkland
in a South South Westerly direction to Low Wood.
A gate leads you to the footpath through Low Wood. Follow the waymark
signs to Richmond Gold Course.
When you reach the Golf Course club house (CARE for golf balls!), take
the signposted footpath / track Westwards. Where this track meets the
minor road, cross the road then take the footpath that returns you to
Low Moor.
From here, retrace your steps to the car park.