The lost spa trail at Fountains Abbey
Enjoy a walk along the tranquil banks of the River Skell and into the site of a former spa. Return through the pretty village of Aldfield, the deer park at Studley Royal and the Seven Bridges Valley.
Total steps: 5
Total steps: 5
Start point
Fountains Abbey visitor centre. Grid ref: SE272687.
Step 1
Starting at the visitor centre, follow the bridleway in the direction of the West Gate accessible car park. At the end of the bridleway, turn left and cross the road diagonally downhill to reach a public footpath. Walk along the footpath as it meets the River Skell, and continue into Spa Gill Wood.
Step 2
You should now see the ruins of Aldfield Spa. Take the footpath on the right, just before the cottage remains. This will lead you behind the building and uphill. Follow the path out of the woodland and into some fields. Eventually, you'll arrive at the village of Aldfield. Turn right in the village and right again beside the church. Follow the road until you see a footpath on the left. Take this path, which crosses several fields before joining the Fountains Abbey estate road, opposite St Mary's Church and an obelisk.
Step 3
Cross the estate road and enter Studley Royal Deer Park via the pedestrian gate. Follow the mown grass paths that lead down to the lakeside, then head left around the lake. This will take you into the Seven Bridges Valley.
Step 4
Cross over the series of small stone bridges and pass through a metal kissing gate. Continue along the path as it bears to the left. It soon becomes a bridleway – follow it as it passes Plumpton Hall and emerges into Studley Roger village.
Step 5
Turn left to enter Studley Royal Deer Park, and follow the mown grass paths back towards St Mary's Church. Walk through the gate and turn left, following the bridleway that'll take you back to the visitor centre.
End point
Fountains Abbey visitor centre. Grid ref: SE272687.
Trail map
More near here
Studley Royal deer park walk
Follow this circular route trail to marvel at the 300 wild deer that live within the Studley Royal deer park in North Yorkshire.
The Seven Bridges Valley walk
On this circular walk, you'll cross delightful arched bridges as you follow the meandering Skell river.
Fountains Abbey ancient trees walk
Explore the highlights of the park on this circular walk and learn more about the ancient trees in the deer park and insights into the 18th-century landscape.
Ripon to Fountains Abbey walk
Walk to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal from Ripon, taking in cathedral views from the lime avenue through the deer park, then explore the Seven Bridges Valley on your return.
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