Richmond is a stunning and unique market town located in the heart of North Yorkshire on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is steeped in history, culture and inspiration and home to
a large variety of traditional Georgian buildings, country pubs, hotels, restaurants and independent shops and galleries.
Another attraction is the market which takes place in the Market Place every Saturday and Wednesday. Alternatively, there is also an indoor market in the Market Hall which is open 7 days a week, 8am-4pm. Richmond is the perfect place to relax, explore or walk as a family. The River Swale meanders through the town and provides a beautiful backdrop for riverside walks and picnic stops. This area is also extremely popular with cyclists and dog walkers.
The Castle
Built in the 11th Century, Richmond Castle is a centre piece of the scenic market town, towering 100 feet high and offering incredible views of the North Yorkshire Dales. It is one of the oldest Norman fortresses in Britain and is an incredibly popular tourist attraction for all ages. The castle is said to be the resting place of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. It is open to visitors 7 days a week from 10:00 – 17:00 and is part of the English Heritage group.
Richmond Falls
Another one of Richmond’s beauty spots is the falls which run down a stunning limestone gorge. The falls look incredible all year round as the surrounding foliage turns from luscious green in spring and summer to orange and yellow in autumn. The falls and river are very popular in summer with swimmers.
Richmond Train Station
Richmond Train Station began running trains from Dalton to Richmond in 1846 and was well used by tourists, soldiers and farmers. The station eventually closed and the last train left the station in 1969. Since then, the station has been redeveloped and today the remains of the Victorian building have been transformed into a modern attraction including a 3-screen cinema, café/restaurant, bakery, ice cream maker and independent handmade jewellery and gift shops.
Richmond to Easby Abbey Circular Walk (3 Miles)
This beautifully scenic trail begins at the former Richmond Train Station and follows a public footpath down the old railway line with the River Swale to your left. After a mile, you will come to a footbridge that crosses over the River Swale and provides the perfect stop for a photo opportunity of the stunning scenery.
Once you have crossed the bridge, turn left onto Love Lane, following the signs towards Easby Abbey. Here, there is access down to the river where many people choose to sit upon the rocks to enjoy a picnic or allow their dogs to swim in the fresh water of the sparkling River Swale. After following the footpath up Love Lane for 0.2 miles, you will reach the car park for Easby Abbey. Ahead of you, will be the Parish Church of Saint Agatha Easby. Take a left turn towards the entrance to the Abbey. Here, you can explore the impressive ruins of Easby Abbey (entry is free between 10am and 6pm daily), before continuing your walk along the riverside.
Once you have passed the Abbey, continue down the public footpath and pass over the stile ahead. You will pass a large house on the right-hand side. Keep following the path down a narrow passage until you reach a kissing gate into a large field. Keep the river on your left-hand side and continue through the field until you come to another gate on your left. This takes you along the public footpath. Here, you can decide to walk down beside the river or up on the top. Both routes are equally stunning, however, there are steps down to the riverside and it is quite rocky underfoot in places.
From here, keep following the river as it bends and twists. Eventually both paths will meet again and you walk up a slight incline where you will see water running down from the streams above. Here is another perfect photo opportunity as the spectacular beauty of Richmond Castle and the market town below comes into full view. Keeping to the path, you will make a slow descent towards the end of your walk. You will come out next to a house on Easby Low Road where you will make a left onto Lombards Wynd. Once you reach the end of the Wynd, take a left and cross the footbridge over the river once more. Here, you will meet up with the Station car park where your beautiful walk began.
Should you wish to extend your walk, you can follow the path across the road from Lombards Wynd towards Richmond Falls and loop up into the market place.
Access
There are a limited number of parking spaces in Richmond Market Place. This parking requires a disk and limits you to 2 hours free parking. Alternatively, you may park in the Richmond Station or Leisure Centre pay and display car park which costs 60p an hour. There are also a number of spaces located next to the Falls which is also pay and display.
In the Market Place, there are a number of pubs, café, hotels and shops with a range of amenities. There are public toilets located next to Richmond Falls, but this costs 20p. There are also toilets located inside Richmond Train Station which are free to the public.
