Ashbrook Farm, Oxclose Lock, Ripon (by the canal).

3.5 miles: About 2 hours

If you have binoculars, take them with you to view the birds on the lakes near the Racecourse.
There may be a diversion past Ashbrook farm – see the note at the end of Walk 1. There may also be a diversion past the chicken farm after cross- ing the ladder stile.

From the former Lamb and Flag head left along Boroughbridge Road. After the stream crosses under the road go left up a track to Ashbrook Farm, passing the farm on its left side and go through the gate into a field. Follow the left hand hedge to a ladder stile in the corner. After crossing the stile, go through the gate opposite and head across the field towards a metal gate in the direction of the hoppers at the end of the farm build- ing opposite. Go through the gate and across the apron of the building to another gate. Go along the path through the tree plantation and then turn right and head to a metal gate in the fence through which you can see the canal lock. Go through the gate to the lock and then continue along the path on either side of the canal.

After the bridge in about half a mile, follow the path on the right side of the canal. Continue past the Boat Club on the left and the 5 and 6 fur- long starts of Ripon Racecourse on the right. Large numbers and many varieties of birds are to be seen on the lakes through purpose-built view- ing holes in the fence. Continue past the canal boat basin to the road where you turn left and continue on the right side of the canal under the Ripon by-pass and on to the basin at the end of the canal.

Go out to the road on the right and follow it to the left over the River Skell to a roundabout. Take the right hand road up a short hill to the Cathedral. Opposite the Cathedral there is a pedestrian only road to the Market Square.

Return by the same route or get the bus back. There are a few buses a day to Bishop Monkton and ther 36 bus to Harrogate and Leeds runs frequently to Bishop Monkton cross roads from where it is 1.25 miles down to the centre of the village. The bus station in Ripon is down to the right from the corner of the market square just past the Yorkshire Trading Company. There is a taxi rank in the Market Square.

To see the bus timetables click 

Details of this walk can also be found as Walk 3 in the Parish Council booklet .