Skipton Castle Woods — Local services in Skipton

If you are in Skipton for more than one day you must visit the woods. While you might be forgiven for missing it if you've driven just to see the castle and range of interesting independent shops for a day, any longer and you need to walk in the beauty of these woods. Especially in May when the masses of wild garlic are in flower providing a white carpet smothering the slopes of the woodland floor. A choice of several paths provides options of a short easy stroll, longer walk, or leg stretching climb up well maintained clear paths. The Woodland Trust does a great job with the woods. You may not have had the chance to walk in a proper wood like this for a while and the combination of sunshine through the canopy and running water is magical. It will be busy in good weather with dog walkers and people but try to listen to the sounds of the wood and birds and it is a calming experience. The birds love the trees and many of the once common birds lost to domestic gardens can still be found here with added heron. You can spend 10 minutes here or two hours and it will be worth the time. I recommend walking from the town along the path next to the castle between the start of the canal and the brook for the extra greenery, running water and sence of leaving the one world behind...

If you’re looking to do some mindfulness, have a calm relaxing walk or listen to the song of the river or just be by yourself and clear your mind, Skipton woods is the perfect place to be. The forest trails are pretty explanatory in itself with decent sign boards all over, you could be adventurous and take different paths. There’s plenty of walkers here out with dogs or family, it’s a very calm and pensive forest. I was alone trekking through but did not feel even one bit scared, in fact the jungle has a very meditative effect on you, I personally loved being here, also, even though it was pouring ☔️ outside, inside the woods, the leaves covered it all, effortlessly, no tickets are needed to walk through woods,...

This is a green and leafy walk which starts out in the middle of skipton and meanders up and behind the castle. You can choose to stay along the riverside on well made paths or you can take one of the steeper routes up the side of the little valley. The paths are dotted with sculptures every now and again, made from willow i think. Very nice and the kids loved them. It's a circular walk, outwards along one side of the river, cross over a bridgd at the end, and return on the other side of the same river. This doesn't make it boring though, as the scenery is varied and interesting. It was quite busy when we visited, but there was so much space that we didn't feel like we were in a crowd. Lovely walk and we'll return...