Nidderdale Way Stage 1: Pateley Bridge to Middlesmoor

The Nidderdale Way is a circular long-distance route through the Nidderdale National Landscape, spanning about 85 kilometres (53 miles), which is usually divided into four stages. It is waymarked by a black curlew on a white background. This first stage leads you from Pateley Bridge to Middlesmoor. This route takes in a mix of paths, bridleways, and country roads. Please take extra care on the road walking sections and pay attention for any oncoming traffic, using the pavements and grass verges where possible. Starting in Pateley Bridge, cross the bridge over the Nidd and join the riverside path, where you’ll pass a war memorial and several benches before crossing over once again via a footbridge and continuing on the other side of the water. Follow the meandering river through the green pastures, taking in lovely scenery along the way. You’ll arrive at Gouthwaite Reservoir, a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, offering excellent opportunities for birding and spotting other wildlife. The reservoir was built around 1900 on the site where the Gouthwaite White Hall once stood, an Elizabethan manor house. The Gouthwaite Hall was later rebuilt and is now a Grade II listed building. It’s a lovely place to enjoy the tranquillity along the waterside and the beauty of the bordering gently rolling hills. At the northern end of the reservoir, you’ll pass Ramsgill, home to a 12th-century church and an 18th-century manor house, the Yorke Arms. Continue through the valley, passing through Lofthouse and following the meandering river. The River Nidd disappears underground for a bit, and there are several limestone caverns in this area. Continue all the way to to Scar House Dam, which was the largest in Britain in 1936. After taking in the views along this reservoir, follow Moor Lane over Rain Stand to arrive in Middlesmoor, where this section of the route ends. Note that this is a point-to-point trail that is part of a longer route, so remember to arrange transportation back to the start or book nearby accommodation beforehand. Come prepared with the appropriate footwear to navigate the rougher sections along this route.