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England, Europe, Hiking, Travel Tips, Yorkshire

West Tanfield and the Ripon Rowel Trail

Last year I had a delightful walk around West Tanfield, following part of the Ripon Rowel Trail. I’d never been here before and barely saw anyone else out walking, despite how great a walk it was and how sunny the morning started out! West Tanfield is a small village located just outside of Ripon in North Yorkshire, and a perfect place for a relatively flat but beautiful hike. If you haven’t stopped by West Tanfield, it’s time to put it on your list!

The church and the Marmion Tower in West Tanfield.

West Tanfield: What to See

West Tanfield is small, but there’s parking available at the village hall. There are toilets here which are usually available, but they were closed when I visited. There’s no cost for parking, but they ask for a small donation of 50p (which I think is quite reasonable). There are two pubs, the Bruce Arms and the Bull Inn, the latter of which has a phenomenal riverside beer garden overlooking the River Ure. I’d definitely stop by here for a post-walk pint if you’re able.

Blossoms along the wall leading to the Marmion Tower.

There’s also the Marmion Tower, right next to St. Nicholas’s Church. This is a three-story, 15th-century gatehouse that used to be part of a manor house (which is now gone). Besides that, there’s a small shop and a post office.

Pretty buildings in West Tanfield along the River Ure.

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Probably the best view of the village is from the bridge over the river. It’s a very picturesque little place!

Grassy fields along the Ripon Rowel Trail between West Tanfield and North Stainley.

Hiking the Ripon Rowel Trail to North Stainley

The walk starts by crossing the bridge and following the River Ure. It’s a quiet riverside walk, passing through a caravan park before going through some fields and a farm. The footpath eventually comes out in North Stainley.

Historic houses across the cricket ground in North Stainley.

There’s a cricket ground framed by pretty, historic houses, as well as a few nice ponds. It was very peaceful when I went!

Bluebells in the woods near North Stainley.

Walking Back via Musterfield and Mickley

You leave North Stainley on Cock Pit Close (lol) and follow a public bridleway. You’re close enough to Lightwater Valley amusement park you can hear the screams faintly, but you can’t see it! The bridleway passes some quarries before arriving in Musterfield (which is really just a few houses to be honest). I saw some truly spectacular bluebells in a wood by the quarry.

A stormy sky in the distance from a path between Musterfield and Mickley in North Yorkshire.

After walking down the road out of Musterfield, you eventually take a right turn (signposted) to follow a path through a field and woods.

Bluebells in Five Ponds Woods near North Stainley in North Yorkshire.

I also saw some beautiful bluebells here! It’s Five Ponds Wood if you want to add it to your bluebell list – this is a great walk to do in May/June when the bluebells are in bloom. There are then a few public footpaths that cross several fields to take you to Mickley. You’ll walk along Mickley’s pretty main street.

Wisteria on a pretty cottage in Mickley, near West Tanfield, in North Yorkshire.

The Ripon Rowel Trail Again Along the River Ure

Before the road bends to the right leaving Mickley, there is a signpost for the Ripon Rowel Trail, which you follow all the way back to West Tanfield. It passes through some woods and along the riverside and fields before arriving back at the bridge in West Tanfield. At this point in my walk it started hailing!! I wasn’t very pleased but thankfully it was at the end of the walk.

A field of yellow rapeseed near Mickley on the Ripon Rowel Trail, near West Tanfield in North Yorkshire.

Altogether, this walk is 8 miles, starting and ending in West Tanfield car park. It took me approximately 3.5 hours. You’ll need OS Map OL Explorer 298 for this hike.

Purple bluebells blanketing the ground around trees near a quarry between North Stainley and Musterfield in North Yorkshire.

Planning Your Trip

West Tanfield is accessible by DalesBus 159 (which runs between Ripon and Richmond) if you’re relying on public transportation. The nearest train station is Thirsk – I always recommend booking train tickets in advance on Trainline. I really do recommend having your own car to do this walk – it’ll make things so much easier.

The Bull Inn is probably your best bet for accommodation in West Tanfield. You can also stay in Ripon, where there are more choices. I did this walk from where I live in York – it’s easy to do a daytrip if you’ve got a car. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Pretty buildings in West Tanfield along the River Ure.

West Tanfield is a pretty, quiet Yorkshire village and definitely a hidden gem. This is a great walk to explore more of the peaceful countryside on the Ripon Rowel Trail. I hope this post helps in planning your next walk and trip there!

Have you been to West Tanfield before or hiked along the Ripon Rowel Trail?

You might also like my posts:

A Daytrip to Ripon

Visiting the Magnificent Fountain’s Abbey and Studley Royal

88 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire

The Best Walks In and Around York, England

The BEST Places to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales

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