Footpath sign on 'Harrogate Ringway'
Farm track leading south towards the area of Jennyfield
Stone bridge over Oak Beck near the Oakdale Golf Club
Enjoying the wooded delights of Birk Crag
Looking north from the edge of the wood called 'The Warren'
View looking south-west towards Harewood and Lower Wharfedale
Crimple Valley Viaduct with gathering storm clouds out to the west!
Approaching cumulonimbus heralding the on-coming thunderstorm!
Pond in Hookstone Woods on approach to the Yorkshire Showground
Bilton Court, just off Wetherby Road, was built in 1740
Saint Robert of Knaresborough, regarded as one of the three most important saints of the 13th century, spent a year in a hermit's cell at St Hilda's Chapel in Rudfarlington. His reputation for holiness even attracted visits by royalty. This hermitage was destroyed by brigands a year later when Robert moved to Spofforth for a time before moving on to Hedley Priory, outside Tadcaster. It was there Robert became disillusioned with the easy life of monks so he returned once more to Rudfarlington.
Rudfarlington Farm
Cereal crops in fields between Rudfarlington Farm and Forest Moor near Knaresborough
Mother Shipton Inn next to Low Bridge in Knaresborough
Knaresborough's famous railway viaduct over the River Nidd
Along the Waterside there are many significant historical buildings. The Old Manor House was built in 1208, around a still existing oak tree, as a hunting lodge for King John. A 400 year old mulberry tree planted by James I is still fruiting annually in the garden!
The Indigo Mill is on the site of a manorial corn mill dating from Norman times. The will of the miller in 1656 showed he was making indigo dye from woad probably grown locally. This was used in the dye house opposite. The mill featured in a painting by JMW Turner in 1797.
River Nidd in spate following the previous day's thunderstorms
I always enjoy walking through the spectacular Nidd Gorge. It is a deep ravine with sheer, tree covered valley sides. The 37 metre (120 feet) deep gorge was cut out of the soft sandstone during the last Ice Age. Humans were first active in this area 5,000 years ago. During the 18th century water-powered mills operated along this stretch of the river. The woodland, in and around the Nidd Gorge, is cared for by the Woodland Trust.
Nidd Gorge Viaduct....... almost home!
However it is now part of the 'Harrogate Greenway' cycle and walking route between Harrogate and Ripley. This 4-mile converted railway line is now a much used and 'loved' traffic-free path through woodland and farmland. I regularly enjoy the route on my favourite local walk linking home with Killinghall, Hampsthwaite, Ripley and the 'Harrogate Greenway'.
Just minutes away from home . . . . a 'window in the clouds'!
David
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