Autumn Walks in the Harrogate Area

Autumn Walks in the Harrogate Area
As the vibrant hues of autumn paint the landscape, there’s no better time to explore the scenic beauty of Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales.   With its rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and charming villages, this region offers a variety of walks to suit everyone. Whether you’re seeking a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, Harrogate has something to offer. Here's a guide to some of the best autumn walks and suggestions for making the most of your stay in this idyllic part of England.
 
Easy Walk: The Valley Gardens
For those looking for an easy and accessible walk, the Valley Gardens in Harrogate is the perfect choice. This beautiful parkland is ideal for a leisurely stroll, offering well-maintained paths and stunning autumn foliage.
Highlights:
Accessibility: The paths are smooth and suitable for wheelchairs and prams, making it an excellent option for those with mobility issues.
Sights: Enjoy the vibrant colours of the seasonal flowers and trees, the tranquil water features, and the charming Sun Colonnade is a must-see. 
Facilities: The gardens are equipped with ample seating, there is a café which serves a range of drinks and snacks and toilet facilities are also available. 
If you are visiting with small children, there are ample play areas and lots of room for kids to run off some energy, whilst the Crazy Golf may appeal to older children as well as young-at-heart adults.
Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering through this tranquil setting, or, for a more energetic walk, extend the walk up the hill and through the pine woods.
 
Medium Walk: Nidd Gorge
For those seeking a moderately challenging walk, the Nidd Gorge offers a delightful mix of woodland trails and riverside paths. The route starts at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough, which is a short drive from Harrogate.  There is ample parking (which is Pay and Display) alongside the river, and the trails along the river and Nidd Gorge are well-marked. 
The walk offers stunning views of the gorge, which is particularly beautiful during the autumn and there is an abundance of wildlife including birds, squirrels, rabbits and deer.
For those with an interest in history and architecture, the walk passes old mills and the remnants of ancient woodland.
This walk is approximately 5 miles long and provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty.
 
Longer Walk 1: Harrogate to Ripley Castle
For a longer walk, taking the route from Harrogate to Ripley Castle via The Greenway is a fantastic option.  The route begins in Harrogate Town Centre, at the Dragon Road car park which is behind Asda.  You will follow the path which runs parallel to the Harrogate railway line before crossing over the railway and continuing on the Greenway.  The path takes you around the outskirts of the town, then heads across the Nidd Viaduct.  On arriving at Ripley, we highly recommend trying the Ripley Icecream, having a wander around the beautiful village and possibly taking a walk in the grounds of the house, or visiting the stunning church if you have time. 
This is an out and back route so once you have seen all that Ripley has to offer, you return the way that you came. 
This walk is a 10 mile round trip, providing a good workout and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.  The route is well-marked and relatively flat, making it manageable for the majority of walkers. 
 
Longer Walk 2:  Pinewoods to RHS Garden Harlow Carr
This walk from The Camberley to RHS Garden Harlow Carr is ideal for those who want a varied landscape walk.  From The Camberley, walk down the Kings Road toward Stuzzi, keeping the Conference Centre on your right.  At the traffic lights, note the beautiful Royal Hall.  Cross the road toward the Crescent Gardens and walk past the Royal Baths Building (on your left) and the Crescent Gardens on the right.  Follow the road, which curves around toward the Valley Gardens.  At the Zebra crossing, cross into the gardens themselves and follow the path toward the café.  Bear right onto the path that runs past the Japanese Garden and keeping the golf green on your left and the trees to your right, follow the path up the (rather steep) hill and into the woods. 
Cross the road at the top of the woods and take the metalled road through the woods at the other side, you can take a right turn through the woods to a charming green space and a path leading down to the Harlow Carr Gardens.  Most of this route is suitable for prams and wheelchairs but the green section is not.  For pram and wheelchair access, when you leave the pine woods, do not take the metalled road but instead do not cross the road but walk to the right on the footpath before crossing the road and taking the bark-chipping pathway through the woods a little further down.  This pathway joins the Harlow Carr path below the green, avoiding the need to traverse the green, which can be muddy in autumn. 
The pathway down to Harlow Carr has a stunning, long-range view across the hills and plenty of seats to allow you to rest and enjoy the view. 
Once you get to the road at the end of this pathway, turn left for Harlow Carr.  The garden entrance is on your right-hand side, with the Bettys Tearoom, a lovely gift shop, and a garden centre. 
You can make this a circular route by walking past Harlow Carr, turning left at the traffic lights, and walking into town.  Just follow the road straight down until you get to The Stray, a large green space in the centre of Harrogate.  Walk down Beech Grove, admiring the fabulous houses to your left, and then turn left at the traffic lights and walk down toward Bettys, before following the path down the hill.  Turn right at the Royal Hall Traffic lights and walk back to The Camberley. 
Alternatively, you can make this an out-and-back route by retracing your steps through the woods and gardens.  The distance is slightly shorter if you go out and back. 
 
 This 8-10 mile (depending on which route you choose to on the return trip) offers a mix of open parkland, dense woods, and beautifully curated gardens.  RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a stunning destination, especially in autumn when the gardens are ablaze with colour.
 
These are just four of the stunning walks that visitors to Harrogate can enjoy.  There are numerous walks in the wider area, with Pateley Bridge, Ripon, Knaresborough and Masham areas all very much worth exploring.  It is well worth planning to stay for a few days, so that you can fully appreciate the beauty and charm of the area.   The benefits of being out in nature are well documented and Harrogate provides a very convenient base from which to explore. 
Take a well-earned break at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages, and explore all that Harrogate has to offer.  Check out some of our other blogs for more ideas to make your stay special.  And remember, you will get a better deal if you book directly with us, because you can choose the room that you would prefer (subject to availability).  To book your room, call:  07792 505910