The best walks and hikes around Sharow

There are over 150 hiking routes around Sharow, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix, with more than 80 easy trails and over 60 moderate options, plus a few more challenging routes for experienced hikers.

Hiking near Sharow offers a diverse range of North Yorkshire landscapes. You can expect rolling countryside, peaceful river valleys along the River Ure, and historic parklands. Trails often feature open fields, wooded sections, and views of significant historical sites like Ripon Cathedral and Fountains Abbey. The terrain is generally gentle, with some routes including minor ascents.

Yes, Sharow is an excellent starting point for circular walks. Many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to return to your starting point. For example, the Ripon Cathedral – Weeping Willow at The Ford loop is an easy 4 km circular path, and the River Ure Bridge, Ripon – Ripon Canal Basin loop offers a moderate 9 km waterside circuit.

For families, easy routes with gentle gradients are ideal. The Ripon Cathedral – Weeping Willow at The Ford loop is an easy 4 km trail that takes about an hour, offering pleasant views without significant climbs. The churchyard of St John's Church in Sharow itself is also a designated conservation area with diverse plant life, offering a tranquil and interesting short walk suitable for all ages.

Sharow's trails often lead to or pass by significant attractions. You can explore the historic city of Ripon, including its magnificent Cathedral. Many routes also connect to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park, which features an 18th-century water garden and a medieval deer park. Specific highlights include Studley Royal Water Garden and the Lake at Studley Royal Water Garden. The Hellwath Bridge – Avenue at Studley Royal Deer Park loop is a moderate 9.9 km route that takes you through this area.

Many of the trails around Sharow are suitable for dogs, especially those along the River Ure and through open countryside. Always keep dogs under control, particularly near livestock, and be mindful of local signage regarding lead requirements. The River Ure Bridge, Ripon – Ripon Canal Basin loop is a popular moderate route that explores waterside paths, which can be enjoyable for dogs.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from riverside strolls to parkland paths, and the accessibility to historic sites like Ripon and Fountains Abbey. The well-maintained network of trails and the scenic beauty of the North Yorkshire countryside are frequently highlighted.

While Sharow itself is not known for large waterfalls, the broader North Yorkshire area, including nearby Hackfall Wood, does offer natural water features. You can find Hackfall Wood listed as a natural monument, which includes cascades and a fountain pond, offering a different kind of waterside experience. The Hackfall Fountain Pond is a notable feature in this area.

Sharow is located about a mile northeast of Ripon, which serves as a local transport hub. Many hiking routes, such as the Ripon Canal Basin – Kirkgate, Ripon loop, originate directly from Ripon, making them accessible by bus services connecting to Ripon. From Sharow, you can often walk to connect with these routes or take a short local bus ride into Ripon.

Parking is generally available in and around Ripon, which is a common starting point for many trails accessible from Sharow. Specific parking details can vary by route, so it's advisable to check individual route descriptions for recommended parking areas, especially when planning to visit popular sites like Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park, which have dedicated visitor parking.

Sharow offers enjoyable hiking throughout the year, but spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) are particularly pleasant. During these months, the churchyard of St John's Church in Sharow flourishes with wildflowers, and the weather is generally milder for exploring the open countryside and parklands. Autumn also brings beautiful foliage to the wooded sections of trails.

While many routes are easy to moderate, longer options are available. The Ripon Cathedral – Ripon Canal Basin loop is a moderate 12.7 km trail that takes over 3 hours to complete, offering a more extensive exploration of the area. For even longer adventures, Sharow is a good base for accessing sections of the 49-mile Ripon Rowel Walk, which encompasses scenic and historic highlights around Ripon.