Ripbor one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Ripbor here.

I totally agree with the comments made by reviewer 1 that the detour from the river into Bishop Monkton is unnecessary unless you wish to call there for refreshments - there is a pub there. Also it is possible to continue on pavement along Bar lane between Boroughbridge and Roeckiffe. Both options make for a shorter and more direct equally enjoyable walk.

We live in Ripon so know most of this route very well. We walked from Boroughbridge to Ripon in mid June following the Slow Ways path, including the diversion through Bishop Monkton which is unneccesary unless you need to go into the village - the footpath continues alongside the river. There are several stiles, and some sections, eg by the bend in the river near Westwick Hall Farm, are overgrown and can be muddy underfoot. However, it is a lovely walk. You go near the Devil's Arrows standing stones just outside Boroughbridge and have a view of Newby Hall from the other side of the river. There is a phonebox library in Roecliffe. Be careful of Giant Hogweed between Roecliffe and Cherry Island Wood. We would not recommend walking along the road into Bishop Monkton along the Boroughbridge Road, but using the footpath along Ings Lane - it's a fairly busy road with no verge at some points. We got onto the wrong footpath leaving Bishop Monkton so did not go past Ashbrook Farm but that was our fault not a route issue, however, I think the footpaths round the two farms here were diverted during a farming disease outbreak (eg Foot and Mouth or BSE) and aren't quite the same as the route although they are well signposted. The section alongside Ripon Canal is level and suitable for wheelchairs / pushchairs. There is a nature reserve (Ripon City Wetlands) between the canal, river and racecourse, and an alternative to keeping by the canal would be a slightly longer walk through the reserve and then along the river Ure to Hewick Bridge and up the river Skell into Ripon. Dogs are not allowed in the reserve however.

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