Nidd Gorge and the Nidderdale Greenway
You swap a smooth former-railway path for hidden gorge singletrack above the River Nidd, with a chance of kingfishers and herons and a spectacular seven-arch viaduct on the way.
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A 14.2km loop from Bilton on the edge of Harrogate, linking the flat Nidderdale Greenway with the wooded trails of Nidd Gorge above the river. Only 140m of climbing and easy underfoot throughout.
You swap a smooth former-railway path for hidden gorge singletrack above the River Nidd, with a chance of kingfishers and herons and a spectacular seven-arch viaduct on the way.
The route
This 14.2km loop makes the most of the green corridor northeast of Harrogate. It links the Nidderdale Greenway, a flat, surfaced former railway line, with the woodland trails of Nidd Gorge, where the River Nidd cuts through a steep, tree-lined valley. With just 140m of climbing spread across the distance, this is easy, flowing running rather than anything that will test your legs on the hills.
The gorge
Nidd Gorge is the highlight: a Woodland Trust site where narrow paths wind above the river through mature woodland, with the water below and the canopy overhead. It is a genuinely lovely stretch, home to otters, kingfishers, herons and mallard, and a complete contrast to the open, straight lines of the Greenway. The route also crosses the Grade II listed Nidd Gorge Viaduct, a seven-arch railway structure spanning the valley, which is a real landmark mid-run.
What to expect underfoot
The Greenway sections are tarmac and pram-smooth, quick and forgiving. The gorge sections are packed earth and root, and they get muddy and slippery after rain, so this is where you actually need to watch your footing. Nothing is technical, but wet gorge paths reward a bit of care.
Why it works
It is a low-effort, high-reward loop right on Harrogate's doorstep, ideal for an easy day, a first longer trail run, or an outing with mixed abilities: you can keep it entirely on the flat Greenway or add the gorge for more interest. Being traffic-free for most of its length also makes it a relaxed run when you do not want to think about cars.
Good to know
The gorge is the part worth slowing down for: the paths are narrow and shared, and the wildlife rewards a quieter approach, so this is not the place to chase a fast time. In summer the tree cover keeps it cool and shaded, while after heavy rain the river runs high and the gorge paths turn slick, so pick your footing and your day accordingly.
Low hazard, but the gorge paths run above a steep drop to the river and get slippery when wet, so mind your footing on the wooded sections. A couple of road crossings link the Greenway to the gorge.
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
- Most runners complete Nidd Gorge and the Nidderdale Greenway in 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on pace and conditions.
Run by us
Jason Millward has run this route and written it up from the ground. How we check routes
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Runner reports
Nobody's logged a run here yet. If you get out on it, a few lines about how it went helps the next person plan their day.
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