Skip to content
Visitors walking dogs in the autumn at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire.
Follow De Grey's walk to the abbey | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Yorkshire

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

Oak leaves in September in Florence Court garden, Co Fermanagh
Oak leaves in September in Florence Court garden, Co Fermanagh | © National Trust Images / John Millar

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Herds of deer at Fountains Abbey in the autumn
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
A couple exploring the grounds at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
Trail
Trail

The Seven Bridges Valley walk 

On this circular walk, you'll cross delightful arched bridges as you follow the meandering Skell river.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)
Visitors walking along the lime tree avenue in the Deer Park at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Two visitors walking in Studley Royal Water Garden in December
Trail
Trail

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 8 (km: 12.8)

Get in touch

Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

A person walking along the South West Coast Path at East Soar, South Devon

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Two people walking uphill on the Marsden Moor Estate, West Yorkshire.

Walking in Yorkshire 

Discover some of the best walks in Yorkshire, from rugged Pennine beauty spots, views over the coast, to parkland and meadows perfect for a family stroll. Most are dog friendly and many can be enjoyed as part of your day out to the nearest National Trust property.

A group of people in a hiking group are being guided on a hike by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

Visitors dog walking at Fountains Abbey
Article
Article

Visiting Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal with your dog 

Fountains Abbey is a three pawprint rated place. Discover why it's such a great place to bring your dog and take a look at our top tips to help you make the most of your visit.

The view of Fountains Abbey from the east green reflecting on the river skell
Article
Article

Things to do at Fountains Abbey 

The ruins of Fountains Abbey are truly something to behold. Discover what to see when you come face to face with some of the oldest abbey ruins in the country.

Girl sipping a large cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows on the top
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Fountains Abbey 

Break up your adventures at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal with some tasty refreshments. Afterwards, look for the perfect gift or a treat for yourself in the National Trust shop and plant centre.