A winter walk around Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal with majestic views, a deer park, historic buildings and a good choice of refreshment pit-stops.
On a crisp winter day with the temperature a whisker above freezing we set out early on this stunning walk.
We started out at the impressive Fountains Hall before making our way alongside the historic ruins of Fountains Abbey, a Cistercian Monastery founded in 1132.
We soon found ourselves in fields covered with a light dusting of snow and stunning views over the Yorkshire countryside.
The deer park, home to 500 wild deer provides a close up glimpse of wild animals and the lake is a great place to feed the ducks.
The Studley Royal Tearoom offered a chance to get out of the cold for a while and treat ourselves with a scone and a hot drink.
Nearing the end of the walk we found our way back to the ruins of Fountains Abbey which the boys enjoyed exploring.
Statistics
- Difficulty grade:4/10
- Length:5 Miles/6 KM
- Time: 3 hours
- Height: Low level
- Danger level: Very low; basic road safety for small sections of the walk, some paths can be muddy and slippery after wet weather
Facilities:
- Refreshment: This is a National Trust site and has a visitors centre with cafe and restaurant plus a team room on the walk route
- Parking/Entrace Fees: This is a National Trust site so parking is pay & display (See the National Trust website for current prices) and there is a charge or access the site unless you are a National Trust or English Heritage member.
- Fun / historic facts: The Abbey was founded in 1132 until its dissolution in 1539 under the order of Henry VIII.
- Wild life: Animals, trees/plants/flowers: Deer, birds and ducks on the lake.
- Map: National Trust https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden/trails/boots-gaiters-and-vistas-walk-at-fountains-abbey
