Nidderdale Greenway

 Wednesday 29th July 2026              Nidderdale  Greenway

It would be off to pastures new for the Lads today, their intention is to locate an old disused railway line that as been turned into both a walking and cycling pathway that runs between Harrogate and Ripley. Getting there would involve taking a train journey from Leeds and heading for Harrogate, from the railway station they will travel the short distance to the bus station in order to take the No2 bus from stand 5. This bus would ferry the Lads , which consisted of Colin, Brian, Dave, Glenn and John through the streets of Harrogate and into the suburbs of a location known as Bilton. Once in this area a suitable bus stop was chosen  being in close proximity to Nidderdale Greenway.

They intend to take the 10:36 train leaving Leeds for Harrogate arriving there at about 11:10 the No2 is scheduled to leave at about 11:30. It was only a short bus journey so before not too long the group were making headway along the so-called Greenway.

It would be a distance of almost 4 miles that the lads would walk along ,it is now a well maintained track with a suitable tarmac surface giving both cyclists and walkers a pleasant experience etc. Plenty of shaded areas along with countryside vistas and forested regions, the weather conditions today were in the lads favour, not too much hot sunshine to contend with.

 

Part way along the trackway a not too suitable location was found to have our picnic, more reasonable seating is needed at some stages along this route. Great views were also appreciated from on top of the old stone constructed viaduct that spans the river Nidd  flowing a fair distance below us.

The lads ventured on and some 60 minutes later they found themselves alongside the rather busy A61 Harrogate to Ripon road at a rather dangerous bus stop location awaiting the arrival of a No36 bus. This would take them back to the town of Harrogate, giving the lads the opportunity to visit a suitable cafe on Market Street to treat themselves to coffee and cake etc. By now the time was just a few minutes after 2:30pm. So the lads left the cafe and headed for the railway station, it would be the 14:40 they caught taking them all back to the city of Leeds, from there they will take their respective journeys home.

Upon Reflection today’s adventure was a great experience, something new, even though we had to share it with fellow cyclists and walkers etc.

Cheers Everyone.