The Nidderdale Way is a circular route around one of Yorkshire’s most treasured dales that explores some of the county’s most famous sights and impressive natural wonders.

The 53-mile (85 kilometer) route starts in the pretty market town of Pateley Bridge and follows the River Nidd up the valley to Scar House Reservoir before looping back down through the dale and Ripley to finish where it began.

Whilst the route is relatively short and easygoing, it is packed with interest. Prized sights include: How Stean Gorge, a limestone ravine carved out by thousands of years of waterflow; Brimham Rocks, impressive rock formations created by an enormous river 350 million years ago; the 14th-century Ripley Castle; and the 18th-century Prosperous lead mine ruins.

There is plenty of wildlife along the way, too. More than 200 species of bird have been recorded around the shores of Gouthwaite Reservoir, for example, including kingfishers, buzzards, and even golden eagles.

Compared with many long-distance hikes, the Nidderdale Way is an easy undertaking. Aside from a few upland sections, the route keeps chiefly to the lowland banks of the River Nidd and dalesides. Paths are well-signposted and well-maintained and civilization is never too far away.

This Collection begins and ends in Pateley Bridge—the official start/finish—as it has the best transport links and accommodation options. The reason for anticlockwise direction is that Brimham Rocks, with its mesmerizing rock formations and sublime views, makes for an epic finish. As the route is a circuit, though, the choice of where to start and finish, as well as what direction to walk it, is entirely up to you.

In this Collection, we split the route into four stages. Of course, you can split up each stage into as many days as you are comfortable with. You can also walk any single stage, or a couple of stages, in isolation.

Every stage finishes close to accommodation, even if there are only a few options nearby. However, places to stay are not always abundant so it is worth planning in advance and scheduling any rest days accordingly.

If you are planning to arrive by public transport, you can catch a train to Harrogate, which has direct trains from Leeds, York, and London, among others, and connecting services around Britain. From Harrogate, you can catch the 24 bus service to Pateley Bridge. If you are planning to arrive by car, your best bet is to negotiate with a hotel or B&B a rate to stay for a night either side of your hike in Pateley Bridge and leave your car there for the duration.