From Skipton High St, walk towards the castle and at the top of the street / roundabout, turn left and past the pub (The Castle).

Alternatively , start opposite the Tourist Information Centre where you will find a pathway along the towpath.
Both have wheelchair access.

Turn down to the steps on your right, and follow the canal on your right...

...and passing the Corn Mill and it's respective plaque on the left.

An enchanting walkway between the castle, river, and canal, allows unparalleled views of the rocky outcrop to your right and Skipton Castle above.

Go past this weir on your left...

...and a plaque, on your right.

Soon a metal bridge ahead, crossing the stream to the left.  Go over this.

There are 5 steps up, before turning right then at the end of path turn left.

At the road turn right. Pass an old saw mill circa 1785 on your right and approach and go through a wooden gate and over a stream hurtling down from the left.

Pass a small wooden bench on your right, and continue along this path, until you reach a small footbridge crossing to the right.  Go over the bridge and directly in front of you is the round dam.

Take the path to the left and wander through the beautiful scenery.

Just past the round dam is a pathway leading off to your right.  This is the shortest of our walks through Skipton woods, and is marked B on the map. (See alternative route below for this path)

You can now follow either route...the short walk (B) back to the castle perimeter, or (A) the longer choice through the woods.

There is a slight bank uphill, and the stream on your left starts to get a little more urgent. Now a choice of path to both left and right. 

The right hand path here, is not recommended.  It can become boggy, dull, and blocked by a holly bush.

For now, let's take the left path and via a wooden stile on your right, cross over the bridge in front of you to the left and over the stream which is less dangerous than it appears.

A small wooden stile in front of you, and on into the woods.  Follow the obvious path which veers to the right and up some steep steps. The main A59 is on your right, out of sight, but not out of hearing range!

This part of the walk is in contrast to the former stream path, with coniferous and deciduous trees all around. Just follow this path forward, where at one point, you can rest at the park bench on your left.

A Welcome to Skipton Wood plaque appears on your left and a small wooden stile in front of you.  Go through this stile and turn left.

Finding yourself on a wide stony path, head towards a wooden signpost pointing in four directions. At this post, turn left (signed 'for Skipton') and climb the stone steps (pictured) and up to a wooden stile. Go over this stile into a field, and follow the (very faint) trail straight across the field, heading upwards aiming for the top of the hill. Keep the woods and a dry stone wall over on your left. The views in all directions are both pastoral and peaceful.

Reaching the top of the rise, you'll see a stone stile next to a gate in the wall ahead. Head for this, (see picture), and sitting at the top of the stile you get a very fine view of Skipton below you. Stop for a breather here. This hill is called "The Battery" - it's where Oliver Cromwell placed his cannons to bombard Skipton Castle during a long seige in the English Civil War. This may or may not actually be true, but it remains a satisfying story, and a fine vantage point.

Walking downhill for about 600 yards, you reach a derelict building on the right, and this (see picture) stone stepped stile allowing access to the road. Climb these steps, and cross from right to left. Making your way down the tarmac pathway, you will reach the main road, and your starting point.

Alternative Route: Walk B

AFTER the round pond (not the steep path before) there is a small turning point to the right.

Here is a steep incline which leads uphill and is quite stony. Reaching the top,  approach the tunnel underpass...

...and take the steps to the right, you are now on the high path. Follow this point to the end... i.e. to the exit, passing a log on your right, a wall to your left, and an information board on your right. At the wooden gate take a sharp left, and keep the wall on your left.

Go through an opening in the wall, turn sharp right and head towards a wooden gate over a bridge. Notice the view below on both sides.  Follow this path which will lead you to the castle perimeter, and the road.  Turn right, and keeping the road on your left, and castle wall on your right, walk back to the castle entrance.