The Fountains Way Trail
A rewarding way to arrive at Fountains Abbey on foot, via rural paths from Ripon and the stately lime avenue through Studley Royal Deer Park.
The Fountains Way Trail
A rewarding way to arrive at Fountains Abbey on foot, via rural paths from Ripon and the stately lime avenue through Studley Royal Deer Park.
The Fountains Way Trail
Paul Harris
The Fountains Way Trail

A rewarding way to arrive at Fountains Abbey on foot, via rural paths from Ripon and the stately lime avenue through Studley Royal Deer Park.

The Fountains Way is a circular 8.6 mile (13.8km) trail that starts in the City of Ripon and follows rural paths to Fountains Abbey, through Studley Royal Deer Park. There’s even the option to extend your route slightly by exploring Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal (normal admission charges apply). The return stretch of this circular walk takes you through the Seven Bridges Valley.

The trail is accessible so is great for power assisted wheelchairs, all terrain mobility vehicles and families with pushchairs.

Information
Accessible Toilets Toilets
Parking Parking
Dog Walking Dog Walking
Refreshments Refreshments
Trails Trails
Heritage Site Heritage Site

Additional Information

Accessible Toilets Toilets
There are toilets and accessible toilets available at Ripon bus station and in Studley car park.
Is This Right For You Is This Right For You?
This walk takes you along bridleways, footpaths, roadside pavements and tracks from Ripon. The terrain is fairly easy walking, although there are a few moderate hills. We recommend walking boots as the ground can be muddy in poor weather. This trail follows two routes. The off road route includes a section through Hell Wath Local Nature Reserve which is not accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility vehicles, as it includes steps and some rough terrain, and will present challenges for people with additional access considerations. There is an accessible on-road option from Ripon City Centre to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal suitable for a wheelchair, pushchair and mobility vehicle users.
Warning Warning
Please take extra care in Studley Royal Deer Park during the months of October and November when the annual deer mating season – deer rut – takes place. Ensure you keep your distance and have dogs on a short lead at all times.
Parking Parking
Various pay and display car parks near Ripon Market Place, including Victoria Grove, Cathedral and St Marygate. Free parking at Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre. Pay and display parking (National Trust members free) at Studley. Please don't park in the local village as this causes an obstruction for residents and emergency vehicles.
Dog Walking Dog Walking
Please be a responsible dog owner. Keep your dog on a lead at all times, especially around livestock and on the moor, where there are ground nesting birds. From March to July, use a short lead. Remember to clean up after your dog.
Refreshments Refreshments
There are several refreshment facilities in Ripon. Studley tea–room is located at the entrance to the water garden, a short diversion from Step 5 of the route.