RATHER than just visit the immaculately preserved Fountains Abbey, continue with a walk through the grounds and out in to Studley Park.
Fountain’s Abbey is just three miles west of Ripon, well signposted with a large car park. To access the abbey pass through the visitor centre. From the visitor centre Fountains is a Cistercian Abbey and up to the dissolution dominated a vast acreage of land around.
It was sold off by Henry VIII in 1539 to one of his ‘gentlemen’, Richard Gresham who in turn sold much of the stone and building materials to pay for the purchase. It was not until the 18th century the abbey was added to the large Studley Estate.
The abbey remains are definitely impressive, possibly the best in all Yorkshire. On a recent visit there was singing in the cloisters which created a pleasant atmosphere as we wandered through the abbey remains.
From the abbey cross to the south bank of the river and continue for three quarters of a mile alongside the River Skell. The views back to the abbey are excellent. Where the river bends sharply carry on as the path climbs through the woods. There are some Georgian Follies and statues built in the woods of chestnut, limes and oaks with constant glimpses of the views beyond. The most impressive is Surprise View or Anne Boleyn’s Seat. The name is not because Anne ever visited the abbey but more the link with the dissolution and in particular the discovery of a headless, female statue nearby!
The path drops down from the woods and alongside the very impressive water gardens, created by John Aislabie.
The Georgians and Victorians loved to walk through the grounds and it is largely unchanged since those times. The exception is the café with its superb views over the lake and Studley Park. From here spot the deer (Red, Fallow and Sika) as they wander the grounds beyond the lake.
Continue the walk alongside the lake and continue north till arriving at the private house, all that remains of the very impressive Studley Hall of years gone by.
Return to the lake and head west to St Mary’s Church and the ‘obelisk’. The obelisk may look a little out of place but has stood for 200 years as a memorial to John Aislaby but the church is very impressive. At first glance it looks like a conventional Gothic church but the designer William Burges has created a fine eclectic mix of influences from much earlier in particular 13th century France. The colour and fine windows add to the church which is now looked after by the National Trust.
From the church head for the gates to the west and take the path next to the road back to the car park and visitor centre.
* Fact Box:
Distance: Roughly three miles (but most will explore and end up walking further).
Height to Climb: 90m (300 feet)
Start: SE 272688. There is a large car park at the visitor centre. Free to National Trust/English Heritage members.
Difficulty: Easy.
Refreshments: The fine café at the lake is just over half way around the walk and makes for a good break.
Be Prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer 298) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.
Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.
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