Knaresborough through Nidd Gorge to Bilton circular walk

Saturday 1st August 2026

After a day and night out in Harrogate, we stopped off in Knaresborough to do a gentle walk the next day around Nidd gorge. It was intended to be a very gentle stroll to suit our hangovers, but the temptation to include a pub en-route made for a slightly longer walk.

Knaresborough was buzzing with day tourists, the place was very busy indeed - it's not surprising though as the place is certainly beautiful and there's also plenty to do.

We parked in Knaresborough and set off for the walk from the Waterside car park. Conyngham car park would have been a better (and nearer) starting point, but I was concerned as it was a sunny Saturday afternoon in August, we may not get a car parking space, also - we had the enjoyable stroll through Knaresborough alongside the river and under the viaduct.

Our plan to go so far and then turn back was soon dismissed as Christine's thoughts turned to the pub stop at Bilton - but do we go straight there? or turn right and head down to the river and enjoy the best bit of the walking along the side of the River Nidd. Surprisingly, she went for the slightly more strenuous route - so we had ourselves a longer walk than was initially planned.

This was a great success for me, as we spotted Kingfishers flying above the water alongside the river bank. All the walking I've done over the last 17 years and these were the first Kingfishers that I had ever seen. To quick to get a photo, but I did have a witness.

I have listed this as a 4 hour walk, as that is how long it took us, but we must have spent 3/4hour in the pub at Bilton and then another 1/2 hour watching the boats and eating ice cream on the way back. So I'd say it's more of a 2 1/2 to 3 hour circular this one.

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.

Distance: 7.2 miles

Duration: 4:00 hours

Ascent: 889 ft

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Accompanied By: Christine

Weather: Hot & Sunny

3D outline of route

Parking

We parked at the 'Waterside' car park. Conyngham car park would have been a better (and nearer) starting point, but I was concerned as it was a sunny Saturday afternoon in August, we may not get a car parking space.

The very picturesque stroll alongside the river as we make our way towards the viaduct.

The magnificent Victorian railway viaduct that spans the River Nidd

Crossing over to the other side via the very busy road bridge.

The entrance to the Mother Shiptons Cave and it's 'petrifying' well, which is a natural wonder that visitors have come to see for hundreds of years. The uniquely high mineral content in the water 'turns items to stone' as if by magic.

Here we go - the walk starts here really, a right turn from the road and we start to follow the signs.

Easy walking on a solid path, although the path does start to climb after this junction. We followed signage to Bilton.

You can carry straight on to Bilton here (its the way we returned) or take the right turn and head towards the river.

We chose the riverside route - a bit more work for the legs, but well worth it.

After quite a bit of descent we finally arrived at the river.

River level is lower than on my last visit, but we have had a very dry summer this year.

Still smiling, but don't let this happy photo fool you - I was already getting it in the neck that the pub was still a way to go.

The path turned into a boardwalk in places.

Looking back at the footbridge - We didn't cross it, but it did make me wonder about starting a walk in the future from the Conyngham Car Park to this point - but I wasn't sure whether a path actually exists on the other side of the river all the way to here, I expect it does, - it may make for a slightly easier route by cutting off the incline out of Knaresborough and the descent through Nidd gorge.

One for next time.

It was along here, and whilst looking through the trees and over to the other side of the river, that I spotted two bright blue birds flying very fast about a metre above the water level.

Lovely flashes of blue - I watched the Kingfishers for about 50m or so, too fast to get a photo, but Christine then spotted another one and we watched it together.

A magical moment for me, I thought I'd never get to see a Kingfisher - I've only been looking out for them for 17 years ! I also had a witness to this wonderful moment - how amazing it was to share it with the one I love.

Excitement over - it's now time for the ascent (and whinging to start!)

After not to long, the path levels and you're then surrounded by bright wheat fields as far as the eye can see.

An even better sight, as far as Christine was concerned - The Gardeners Arms on the outskirts of Bilton.

A lovely couple of pints in the beer garden - I would have stayed for more if I could have.

A bit of a climb after the pub as we head directly back towards Knaresborough, the road/path takes you all the way in super quick time.

Busy at work bailing the hay.

A red kite looking for a meal from the small animals disturbed by the bailer - it circled the farmer continuously whilst he did his work.

Almost there, as we can see Knaresborough on the skyline

Before we got back to the car, we enjoyed watching the boats in the sun with ice cream.

A nice way to finish off a couple of days - Now to head back home.