Nidd Valley Railway Walk

A Walk Along the Nidd Valley Railway

Walk 7- From Pateley Bridge to Lofthouse - 7m - 3.5 hours. A fairly easy and mostly level linear walk following the former trackbed of the long vanished Nidd Valley Light Railway and then alongside Gowthwaite Reservoir to Lofthouse - Suitable for families - Only possible when the Sunday Nidderdale Rambler DalesBus 821 is running unless undertaken as two circular walks. Be sure to check bus running times. Return to Nidderdale Walks


Near Gowthwaite Reservoir

Starting from the High Street in Pateley Bridge first of all take a moment to look at the former North Eastern Railway station building. Where the road alongside the river now exists were sidings and indeed a level crossing across the High Street to reach the Nidd Valley Light Railway which had its own passenger station approximately 1/4 mile distant through the back streets. Now retrace steps, crossing the High Street and near the end of the river bridge take a path signposted Nidderdale way which leads off along the eastern bank of the River Nidd passing the backs of new houses. After a short way the path passes the edge of a construction yard where the terminal of the light railway ran. The station, whilst still there is difficult to see due to various obstructions but was originally at the end of two platforms. The path continues along the riverbank now with the old trackbed discernible in the grass. The engine sheds were located in a field to the right some distance along the line as the field narrows. The path either uses the trackbed or slightly to one side. A retaining wall, one of very few structures will be seen. The path follows the trackbed and veres off to a small bridge across a stream. Wath station, visible across the field, is now a private residence with the platform still there.

Cross the stream and minor road to regain the path on the other side now to the left of the track. The path now climbs at probably the steepest section of the passenger line to reach Gowthwaite Dam and one of few uphills on the walk. Immediacy across a stile at the end of the dam the path veres off slightly uphill to the right as the railway line continues on the level. On reaching a track at the top of the hill turn left to follow the track back down to the edge of the reservoir. Continue along the track to Coville Grange and then on to a metalled farm access road all the time with the trackbed visible on the left. The path now reaches the hamlet of Bowthwaite. To see Ramsgill Station (now a private residence) turn left to walk a few yards down towards Ramsgill and the station is on the left at the former level crossing. Notice the remains of the steel in the overbridge to a small stream.

Retrace steps to Bowthwaite and turn left to Grange Farm keeping to the right hand track at the fork to pass around the rear of the farm and through a gate. Cross a bridge and slight to the right and the path climbs slightly uphill alongside the wooded area to Longside Farm. Just before the farm the path bears right and progresses uphill and through a gate to meet a descending track. Now follow the path with the wood on the right at roughly the same contour. Just as the wooded area ends the path descends the hill side through two gates at Sikes Brow to meet the road. This is the site of the former level crossing. Cross the road to the footpath on the other side now following the trackbed for a short while. However before the end of the second field the path veres right to rejoin the road. Bear left along the road and just before Lofthouse turn right along a path leading into the centre of the village.

Facilities in the village include an ice cream kiosk at a Farm on the Masham Road and the Crown Hotel. Walking down through the village to the main road the former Lofthouse Station is set almost on the T junction complete with platform still in existence. The line would have continued along the road and over the River Nidd to reach Scar House. The bus leaves from opposite the old station. See also Nidd Valley Light Railway Back to top


Trackbed on right just out of Pateley Bridge Station	Between Pateley and Wath

Wath Station	Between Wath and Gowthwaite

Alongside Gowthwaite Reservoir	Remains of bridge near Ramsgill Station

Sikes Brow	Lofthouse Station

Lofthouse Station	The Crown at Lofthouse

For bus times check www.dalesbus.co.uk


DalesBus 821 Nidderdale Rambler at Lofthouse (outside former railway station)	DalesBus 821 Nidderdale Rambler in Pateley Bridge

Important note:- Whilst the author has taken every care in assembling the information on this site, no responsibility can be accepted for any error or omission herein. If in any doubt walkers should consult the relevant OS map.

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This page was last updated on 01-Sep-2021