Studley Royal deer park walk
Our deer ranger has picked this walk as one of his favourites within the Studley Royal deer park in Ripon, North Yorkshire. As you follow the circular route, look out for some of the 300 wild deer that live there.
Annual mating season
Please take extra care during the months of October and November when the annual mating season – deer rut – takes place. Ensure you keep your distance and have dogs on a short lead at all times.
Total steps: 5
Total steps: 5
Start point
Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre, grid ref: SE272687
Step 1
From the visitor centre car park head for the mini roundabout and turn right along the bridle path, which runs alongside the estate drive towards St Mary's Church. Turn right through a gate, looking out for the Obelisk, and walk along the tarmac drive until you reach the church.
Step 2
Just before reaching the church turn left onto a mown path in the grass and follow the boundary wall until you reach the grand stable block of Studley Royal House, now a private residence.
Step 3
Walk past the house and turn right, walking along with the house on your right until you reach a tarmac drive. Cross over the drive and head down the slope, looking out for a stone bridge. Cross the bridge and follow a line of oak trees, passing the old head gardener's house and cottages that once belonged to estate workers.
Step 4
Turn right along the boundary wall and continue along until you reach the public right of way marker. Turn right here and follow the path back up through the deer park alongside the estate drive. The track will take you back to pass in front of St Mary's Church.
Step 5
Pass through the gate and turn left, retracing your steps for the final part of the walk towards the visitor centre.
End point
Fountains Abbey visitor centre, grid ref: SE272687
Trail map
More near here
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.
Fountains Abbey Estate Boundary walk
See all the highlights of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal on a circular walk, taking in the Abbey ruins, hall, deer park and 18th-century water garden.
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