The Seven Bridges Valley walk
Take this circular walk to see a more rustic and beautiful side of the estate. Starting at the Lake outfall, this walk follows the meandering Skell river along the steep-sided valley via a series of delightful arched bridges, of which only five remain.
Start point
Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre, grid ref: SE272687Trail information
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre, grid ref: SE272687
Stage 1
Leave the visitor centre and follow signs towards St Mary's Church. Follow the signs for 'Footpath to St Mary's Church, Deer Park and Water Garden’.
Stage 2
Follow the well-defined bridlepath that runs parallel to the main drive, until you reach the large gates on your right that give access to St Mary's Church and the Deer Park. Go through the pedestrian gate, and proceed down the roadway. Carry on down this avenue until you reach a crossroads. At this junction, take a right-hand turn and follow this road down to the lake.
Stage 3
Cross the footbridge over the lake flanked by Sphinx statues either side, and you have arrived in the seven bridges valley.
Stage 4
Follow the path around to the left, heading for the first of five stone arched bridges. On your left you might notice a red brick wall on the far side of the river, where it takes the first sharp right-hand bend. Here lay the remnants of a Hydro-electric generator installed by the Marquis of Ripon in 1891. Follow the path over the bridge, and onwards.
Stage 5
Walk over the second and third bridges. At the third bridge, look up the left side of the valley. At the top of a clearly defined scramble you’ll see The Roman Monument. Continue following the path. Observe the bridges that you cross. Once over the fourth bridge, continue along the path. As you come within sight of the fifth and last bridge in the valley, you will notice on the far side of the river a brilliant white section of limestone cliff. On top of this are the remains of the Chinese Pavilion, which was once visible from Octagon Tower.
Stage 6
Advance over the final bridge, and come to the gates which lead out of the estate. You are now entering into what were formerly The Chinese Gardens. Carry on following the path until you come to a long and narrow green footbridge on your right. Cross this bridge and follow the path up a very steep hill. You may notice the smell of wild garlic; the plant grows prolifically in this area. At the top of the hill, turn right. Follow the bridle path through the woods, keeping to the stone wall on the right-hand side at all times. After about ten minutes you will arrive at a stone building with an archway on your right. This is Mackershaw Lodge.
Stage 7
Proceed through Mackershaw Lodge, via two sets of pedestrian gates on the left-hand side of the building. You are now in Mackershaw Deer Park. Follow this path straight ahead through the park, joining onto some vehicle tracks on the last sloping descent. At the end of this descent you will come to a gate. Go through the gate and carry on forwards. At the bottom of the hill you will find yourself next to the footbridge at the lake, where you began. Cross the bridge over the lake and proceed on the path until you come off of the track and onto the road.
Stage 8
To get back to the main visitor centre, turn right and follow the road until you reach the crossroads that you passed earlier on in the Deer Park. Turn left and follow the avenue up towards St Mary’s church. Advance further until you come to a gate. Go through the gate, and turn left onto the bridle path. Proceed further down this path until you reach a roundabout. Follow the signs that take you back to the main visitor centre and car parks.
End point
Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre, grid ref: SE272687
Trail map
Map showing the route and steps of the Seven Bridges Valley walking trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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.
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.
The Fountains Way
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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