Knabor three

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Walked as part of the National Parks Challenge 2026. Very enjoyable route and a pleasure to see so many horses. It was a pleasure to cross the A1(M) - I used to hitchhike back and forth on it many decades ago. I stayed on the main road into Boroughbridge rather than go walkabouts via an estate.

I walked this route in 2 stages, both in June 2025, as part of the national Slow Ways challenge and to fulfil my first pledge. I’d have loved to have walked it all in one go but the lack of Sunday buses meant that wasn’t possible; however the no 21 is a good link on all other days.
This is a lovely, peaceful walk across gentle fields with some nice views across to the Dales. Considering how close you go to the A1, it’s very unintrusive. I’d definitely walk this route again, though bear in mind the time of year as large stretches would be very muddy in the winter or after significant rain.
On the approach to Boroughbridge, a couple of gates were very stiff and heavy (and I’m generally fit and strong); also the final stile was rather overgrown, though still passable.
Otherwise the original points from 2021 are all still valid so I won’t bother repeating those but please read them. Also, you might encounter cows in some of the early fields - they are probably friendly but I skirted a longer way around one field just in case as it seemed some calves were lying down.
I walked this route alone and felt perfectly safe. Going to the loo a slight issue as horse riders and cyclists can suddenly appear at speed, even when it feels isolated!!
The Bluebell Inn at Arkendale is a nice, friendly pub and as they offer accommodation too, you can get a coffee there even at say 10am. I enjoyed seeing inside both churches en route, and wished I had some spare change for the lovely plant and produce stall outside the church in Minskip.

I enjoyed my walk along Knabor three which I did as part of the National Parks Trail Challenge.

I didn't have any trouble finding the route, which is nearly all through farmland and horsey country but is quite varied and undulating with changing views. There was lots of birdsong and numerous butterflies. Some of the stiles were quite high and there were short stretches of the route that were a little overgrown at this time of year, but nothing that couldn't be managed. There's one very short road section near Minskip.

The villages of Minskip and Arkendale both have welcoming churchyards with benches. Arkendale also has a pub and a village shop. It may be worth noting that the "21" bus that will return you from one end of the route to the other once you've finished also passes through Arkendale, in case anyone needs to bail out halfway!

It's a route I'd walk again and recommend to others.

This is a mainly rural walk through very gently undulating farmland. The paths are relatively easy to find and are in good condition. Apart from a number of wooden stiles (some steep) and a very narrow footbridge it is a fairly easy walk. It is a pleasant but not spectacular walk benefitting from a pub half way through.

Walkers should find this walk easy to find provided they read the navigation points in the route description notes below.
1. The route leaves Knaresborough High St by going along Raw Gap
2. At Stockwell Road it crosses the railway then goes immediately right by some metal railings (signposted but still not very obvious at first)
3. At Halfpenny Lane it turns right then first left then left at the end of the road into Half Crown Way
4. It continues in a straight line to reach a stile then enters a field where it hugs the left-hand side boundary reaching Water Lane
5. It crosses Water Lane (right then left) then crosses fields with a good view over the lake at the path end
6. The right hand turn to Hopewell House is easily missed if you are not alert and the same applies to the right hand turn at Poplars Farm further on
7. The path follows the field edge at a point between Poplars Farm and Arkendale (not as shown on the public right of way map)
8. There is a pub at Arkendale
9. The route follows the track approaching Brooms House rather than cutting the corner off the field (see photo). Before harvest it may also follow the field edge after Brooms House but we walked it after harvest and crossed over the corner of the field as per right of way
10. The footbridge over the River Tutt between Minskip and Roecliffe is unusually narrow (see photo)
11. The freezer units you pass approaching Boroughbridge are absolutely enormous, and a bit noisy too!
12. Do not miss the Devils Arrows (you walk right past one shortly after crossing the A168 roundabout) (see photo). There is a plaque telling you all about them beside the Linden Homes estate (you will pass it)
13. The path through the Linden Homes Estate needs very careful navigation and gps work to find as it weaves past houses and over grassy areas but it really does not matter too much if you cannot find it. Think of it as a route-finding challenge!
14. There is a limited bus service between Boroughbridge and Knaresborough so you can get back.

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