10.0 miles
Explorer Map 298, - Nidderdale.
Hackfall Woods have recently been restored and opened up by the
Woodland Trust and the Landmark Trust.
Over 250 years ago the woods were a "must see" destination
for those making the European Tour. After restoration, they are
now a "must see" attraction for those who love woodland
walks.
In addition to woodland paths and some dramatic scenery, there
are the curious stone follies that were built long ago and the
recently restored Fountain Lake.
Hackfall Woods are definitely the highlught of this walk.
If the weather is wet, some of the paths can be muddy and slippery.
The footpath between Mickley and Grewelthorpe needs a little bit
of care in following, and a 1 : 25000 scale map is extremely useful
in this respect.
The return leg of the walk uses the Ripon Rowel Way footpath,
which is mostly well marked.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the
above link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Some new mapping software is now available which you may want to try, - QUO mapping. You can download the software for free from the link below, complete with demonstration maps. Having installed QUO, you can import and export Memory Map overlays. Thus YOU DON'T NEED Memory Map to use any of the overlays provided on the Grey Panthers website, - just use QUO!!
Start from the Memorial Hall car park in West Tanfield
(SE2692578850).
Cross the River Ure by the road bridge, and continue along the A6108,
- CARE with traffic!, to where there is a footpath on your right (by
a gate) at SE2755677132.
Take this footpath to pass Sleningford Park on your left, and then
take the footpath to join the minor road that runs towards Mickley.
Follow the minor road to Mickley, and along through the village, until
you meet the footpath on your right at SE2488576392. This footpath
is slightly hidden, and is accessed by a stile which is heavily overgrown
and difficult to climb over.
The footpath between here and Grewelthorpe needs careful navigation
using the map and compass, studying the field boundaries on the map
as you proceed.
Enter Grewelthorpe by a walled lane.
Turn right and walk along Grewelthorpe's "High Street",
leaving Grewlthorpe on the road that passes Grewelthorpe's Church.
On your right is a footpath that is clearly marked "To Hackfall
Woods".
Follow this footpath and the signposts to Fountain Lake, and then
onward to Limehouse Field.
Here there is a footpath that leads downhill back into Hackfall Woods,
where it meets the Ripon Rowel Way.
Follow the Ripon Rowel Way through Hackfall Woods back to Mickley.
From Mickley continue on the Ripon Rowel Way footpath back to West
Tanfield.