This section covers the projects of the Ripon branch of Harrogate District Cycle Action.
Cycling & Walking Strategy for Ripon
HDCA Ripon would like to develop a Walking & Cycling Strategy for the city. They’ve asked council officers and Councillors for a public consultation, to understand what local people want – but at the time of writing there has been no response.
A significant sum is due to be paid by housing developers under s.106 in relation to the Bishops Glade development. This should enable a Strategy to be developed and pay for the first steps in delivering it.
Brief details of two projects appear below.
Ripon to Fountains Abbey
It makes sense to have a bike route between Ripon and Studley Royal/Fountains Abbey. It’s a very popular destination, and a lot of people arrive by car; sustainable travel should be encouraged as much as possible.
It’s around a mile from the west side of the city to Studley Roger – an easy distance to cycle, even for families with fairly young children. The B6265 is too hostile for most, so a safe, convenient route is required.
It is proving very difficult to find a suitable route on existing public rights of way. NYCC Paths team are not being particularly helpful in addressing the challenges of re-surfacing bridleways that require landowner funding. There are alternative potential routes that exist but are no longer considered public rights of way.
Search for Lost Rights of Way
Over the years, there have been many, many miles of footpaths and bridleways ‘lost’ to public access. To regain their public right of way status, much work has to be done to evidence their past existence. NYCC Paths can then reinstate the access on the definitive map. There is a national push to do this work by organisations such as the Ramblers and the British Horse Society, because the government has put a limit of 1st January 2026 for all applications.
We are desperately looking for individuals who could help with this. If you can help, please get in touch.
Ripon Racecourse
HDCA Ripon is working on a canalside route east of the city to Ripon Racecourse, avoiding the dangerous crossing of the bypass.
Ripon Racecourse and the Canal & River Trust are both helping to develop this project.
Get involved
If you’d like to get involved in developing a Walking & Cycling Strategy for Ripon, please use our contact form and we’ll put you in touch with HDCA Ripon.