Brilliant Harrogate walk in Britain's top 13

Residents may fear it might be threatened by possible bypass plans but Harrogate's Bilton-Ripley cycleway has been hailed as one of the best in Britain by a national newspaper.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Feb 2017, 11:34 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2017, 11:47 BST
Cyclists on The Nidderdale Greenway.Cyclists on The Nidderdale Greenway.
Cyclists on The Nidderdale Greenway.

In a feature called "Britain's best bike rides: a comprehensive guide to the best bike rides in Britain – for all abilities and interests", The Guardian placed Harrogate to Ripley in its top 13 alongside the likes of the Isle of Arran in Scotland and Cambridge to Wicken Fen.Harrogate's route has proven incredibly popular with cyclists, and others, since it opened in May 2013.The four-mile long stretch of converted railway line connects the fringes of urban Harrogate to the beautiful village of Ripley.Also known as the Nidderdale Greenway, as well as developing atraffic-free path, the development included bringing back into use the Grade 2 listed, seven-arch Nidd Gorge Viaduct and providing new safe crossings on the A61 near Ripley.The route, which also used by walkers, runners and, even, horse riders, was built by charity SUSTRANS after a successful National Successful Lottery Bid.The Nidderdale Greenway route was also supported by Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and Sir Thomas Ingilby who made available an additional section through his estate to allow the bridleway to link up properly.

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