Richmond to Hudswell Woods Walk
This circular walk takes you from Richmond to the National Trust's Hudswell Woods, just to the west of the town.
The walk starts on Richmond Bridge which you cross to the southern side of the river Swale. From here you follow footpaths west along the River to Round Howe Wood and Billy Bank Wood before coming to Hudswell Woods. The area is particularly lovely in spring with lots of bluebells to see. There's also good bird watching opportunities with Kingfishers by the river and Sand Martins in the woods. Also keep your eyes peeled for owls, deer and rabbits as you make your way through the woods. There's also a car park at the site if you prefer not to walk from the town.
The route continues west to Lownethwaite where you'll find an impressive four arched bridge. You can then turn around and head east back to the town on alternative paths just to the south of the woods.
Hudswell Woods Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hudswell Woods Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hudswell Woods OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hudswell Woods Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
On the walk you could stop off at the excellent George & Dragon in Hudswell village. There's a splendid garden here with fine views over the surrounding Yorkshire Dales countryside. It's a great place to relax with a meal on warmer days. You can find the pub at a postcode of DL11 6BL for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The woods are a fine place for a dog walk and they can also enjoy a swim in the river. It's likely you'll bump into several other pets with their owners on a fine day. The George & Dragon pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Richmond to Marske Circular Walk is a more challenging walk from the town. It will take you up to the viewpoint at Whitcliff Scar before visiting the pretty village of Marske. There are excellent views over the Swaledale countryside from this route.
Two of the highlights of the National Park are located nearby in the shape of Aysgarth Falls and Castle Bolton.
The circular Gilling West Walk starts from the nearby village. It passes the Georgian Aske Hall which lies just to the north of the town. Gilling West is well worth a visit with a number of historic listed buildings to see including an 11th century church.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Richmond Walks and Yorkshire Dales Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Hudswell Woods, National Trust Sign
Billy Bank Wood, River Swale. Looking downstream at the bottom of Billy Bank Wood.
Round Howe footbridge. This footbridge leads over the River Swale from Round Howe carpark (pay-and-display) to the footpaths on the south bank of the river. It is a useful landmark for paddlers on the river as it indicates the beginnings of Richmond and not far to go now.
Footpath near Billy Bank Wood. This photograph shows a view of a section of the public footpath that runs along the south side of the River Swale near Billy Bank Wood. The picture was taken looking in a north-westerly direction towards the caravan park near Round Howe.
Countryside view from Round Howe
Richmond Bridge
River Swale at Lownethwaite. Overnight rain had brought the Swale up considerably during the day making life difficult for some canoeists. At this level, the usual line through the furthest arch is bouncy, but the middle arch is usually easiest and the near arch perfectly possible, so paddlers have plenty of choices. In low levels, the middle arch is very shallow but unthreatening, whilst the furthest arch has most of the water, but is made awkward by big rocks. The gauge on Grinton Bridge (a ways upstream from here, where paddlers put in) was at three feet.
St Michael's Bridge. Not many steps from the church of the same name, this footbridge crosses Hudswell Beck, which was dry at the time of the photograph.