Walking is the best and most enjoyable way to discover Masham and its surroundings and there are plenty of options to suit everyone. Masham borders the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the organisers have published a number of excellent booklets featuring walks in the area. All the walks are available for purchase from Mashamshire Community Office.
Just to prove Masham really is “Centre of the Universe”, you can also purchase unique customised OS maps of Masham and the surrounding area, showing Masham in the middle! 
Below is a list of booklets available so you can plan your visit – call in to discuss which are right walks for you.
Follow a 6.5-mile route waymarked by mosiac panels created by villagers from nearby Kirkby Malzeard. The walk goes over open moorland with great views over the Vale of York in the east, and through hidden valleys with mixtures of deciduous and coniferous wodland.
This 5.5-mile route takes you through the ancient enclosures in Dacre Parish where you will discover the area’s history written in stone. Stone in some of the walls is thought to be the result of prehistoric field clearance.
An easy 3-mile circular walk around a sculpture trail with works by Alan Ayres, supported by Common Ground. Starting from Masham town centre this delightful walk meanders through pastures and woodlands alongside the Rivers Ure and Burn.
A 7-mile walk tracing the agricultural and industrial heritage of the Parish including iron age circles, a monk’s wall and an old pack horse route.
Starting and finishing at the Henry Jenkins Inn this 4-mile walk takes in the site of a C12 castle and St Andrew’s church, built around 1150.
This stunning walk starts and ends at the fascinating ruins of Jervaulx Abbey. It takes you through beautiful parkland, over lush pasture fields and through the historic village of Thornton Steward. You’ll pass the impressive Danby Hall and cross the River Ure over two historic bridges.
Starting and finishing at the Black Swan Inn you can choose between short (1 3/4 miles) or long (5 miles) routes.
The 5 mile route crosses the Burn Valley to the Druid’s Temple and the Bivouac cafe. The intimate view across Leighton Reservoir towards remote Colsterdale from the northern end of Druid’s Wood is superb. In contrast is the extensive view from Bivouac east over the Vale of Mowbray where on particularly clear days the large steelworks buildings near Redcar 40 miles away may be discerned.
We aim is to keep our small rural community active and vibrant for all who live and visit here. Click here for more info, or call in. Click here if you'd like advertise here. Join our mailing list to keep in touch via email. We will not share your information - view our Privacy Policy here.
Little Market Place, Masham, HG4 4DY / Tel: 01765 680200
