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The Prior Richard Way ( Direct ) is an easy to moderate linear walk in beautiful rolling North Yorkshire countryside between the 12th century Benedictine Abbey of St. Mary's in York, and Fountains Abbey, near Ripon.
York, the start of the Prior Richard Way, is perfectly accessible by public transport with London being only 2 hours away by train, and other UK mainline and local trains stopping here regularly. Manchester and Leeds/Bradford airports are international gateways which also have easy public transport links to York.
This walk is a modern dedication to the journey made by a group of unhappy 12th century monks, including Prior Richard, in order for them start a more devout and simple monastic way of life. Their new home would become Fountains Abbey and they would join the Cistercian Order. Learn more much about the Prior Richard Way.
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Level: |
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Easy to Moderate |
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Distance: |
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36 miles (58 km) |
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Duration: |
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3 nights, 3 days walking |
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Dates: |
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Price: |
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£ 350 ( £80 single supplement applies ) |
| Special Offer - Book before 21 July and pay just £ 325 pp ( ss applies ) * |
The Prior Richard Way ( Direct ) leaves York along the banks of the River Ouse and continues along part of what was formally Dere street, a Roman road. It then takes a more direct route winding along gentle rolling North Yorkshire countryside. and through medieval villages before arriving at UNESCO World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey.
Half a day is dedicated to wandering around and exploring this site, the Georgian Water Gardens or the medieval deer park.
Read our FAQs for more information on what is provided in an Abbey Walks holiday
Arrive at the Roman walled city of Eboracum, now called York, and check into one of the city's finest 4 star guest houses,
Georgian House. Bed and breakfast is provided with quality and comfort assured. Tony, your guide, will be looking forward to meeting you in the resident's lounge from 6.30 pm in order to answer any last minute questions. Once settled into your accommodation the evening will be yours to explore the city. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, theatres and cinemas so you really are spoilt for choice !
Over breakfast meet your fellow walkers and guide for the holiday. At 9 am we will walk a short distance to St Mary's Abbey where you will learn more about its history and the life of Prior Richard. From the abbey we will walk briefly along the River Ouse before joining the route of the old Roman road, Dere Street, to reach the medieval village of Poppleton.
After passing through the village our journey will continue through rolling farmland and quiet country lanes before arriving at the medieval village of Green Hammerton and our accommodation for the night. The Bay Horse is thought to be over two hundred years old, and a former coaching inn that retains its old world charm.
With an earlier start to the day we walk from Green Hammerton through the ancient village of Whixley which lies on the old Roman road of Rudgate, and then once more along Dere Street. The day continues through the medieval villages of Arkendale, Ferrensby and by deserted Wallerthwaite. We will walk along quiet country lanes, on an old railway line and along part of the Ripon Rowel footpath. Continuing through North Yorkshire's rolling countryside we arrive at Bishop Thornton and our accommodation for the night. The Chequers Inn has been in the same family for 51 years.
Option: At mile 15 there is transport to the hotel if required.
After a leisurely breakfast we walk a short distance through pleasant countryside to reach Skeldale Valley and UNESCO World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey, one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian monasteries in England.
Plenty of time is dedicated to exploring this site, the Georgian gardens or the medieval deer park, and for visiting the tea room before being transferred back to York.
All accommodation on an Abbey Walks holiday is carefully selected for quality, guest reviews, comfort and food.
Each guest house, hotel or inn is furnished with en-suite facilities in double, twin, or single rooms and is conveniently located on the route of the Prior Richard Way allowing us to start and end each day directly at the door.
Georgian House, York: 4 star English Tourism Council, 3.5 star Tripadvisor rating
Georgian House is one of the York's finest 4 star guest houses with quality and comfort assured. It is located just a few minutes walk from the city centre, and the start of the first day's walk. There is a tv and free wi-fi in all rooms, and a spacious residents lounge.
The Bay Horse Inn, Green Hammerton: 4 star Tripadvisor rating
The Bay Horse Inn lies in the medieval village of Green Hammerton, situated in the beautiful Vale of York. It is thought that it dates back over two hundred years and is a former coaching inn that still retains its old world charm. Upon arriving sit by the welcoming log fire with your favourite tipple or one of several real ales on offer before retiring to your courtyard style chalet for a quick siesta before enjoying your evening.
The Chequers Inn, Bishop Thornton: 4 star Tripadvisor rating
The Chequers Inn at Bishop Thornton is on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales and the Vale of York, surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, picturesque villages, grand historic buildings, ruins and gardens. It has been in the Walker family for over 51 years and offers a warm welcome and hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere. It provides well equipped and modern facilities, and offers delicious and hearty home cooked food, using locally sourced seasonal produce.
