Grass Wood Circular

Leave the centre by the lower gate and take the walled path down to Linton Falls. Enjoy the view from the footbridge but do not cross the river; instead follow the riverside path upstream to Grassington Bridge. Continue beside the River Wharfe through Ghaistrill's Strid, a narrow limestone gorge, then climb through Low Grass Wood to the road. Follow the road for about 400 m, cross to the footpath into Grass Wood Nature Reserve, and climb and meander above limestone outcrops. Leave the wood at Park Stile, cross fields to join Cove Lane, then return into Grassington and back to the centre by way of the top of High Street.

The walk packs a lot of variety into a short circuit: white water at Linton Falls, open river scenery along the Wharfe, the squeeze of the gorge, and then a large broadleaved woodland set on limestone terraces with glades and exposed rock. Above the outcrops in Grass Wood the going opens out between trees, and the Iron Age settlement site near Park Stile adds a historical note before the field paths back to the village. Route notes mention oystercatchers, dippers and kingfishers along the river, with woodpeckers, treecreepers and warblers in the woods, so keep an eye and an ear open, though nothing is guaranteed.

The riverside section is easy underfoot in dry spells but can become wet and muddy. The woodland path is rough and rocky in places, and limestone surfaces are slippery when wet. Expect uneven ground plus gates and stiles along the way. The climb into Grass Wood is the main effort of the day. Boots with grip are worth having, and this route is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Dogs are welcome on this walk but should be kept on a lead around livestock and wildlife. From March to July, use a short lead because of ground-nesting birds. No route-specific permit is needed. Keep to the public paths throughout and follow normal countryside access rules, closing gates behind you.

Start from Grassington National Park Centre, BD23 5LB, OS grid reference SE 00283 63750, where there is pay-and-display parking. Toilets and refreshments are available at the centre, and bus services serve it, which makes this an easy loop to reach without a car. The centre and its car park can be busy at peak weekends, so an earlier start helps.