Circular walk from Richmond Station via Easby Abbey

Family friendly walk setting off from The Station in Richmond

A visit to The Station in Richmond is a one-stop destination.  Its the perfect place to head to, regardless of the weather.  The Victorian station building has been creatively transformed into a restaurant / cafe, art gallery, cinema and independent shopping outlet but more of that later.  

Park up in the The Station carpark and walk along the front of the building to where the old railway line came into the station.

Follow the disused railway track through the trees.

The entire walk is easy, level going and very simple to follow.
  

Walk over the wide, wooden bridge that crosses the River Swale.

The path bears left following the river.

After approximately a mile (I'm sorry I didn't take note of the distance) the Parish Church of St Agatha and the abbey come into view.  The church is open and there is no charge to enter the abbey.

Follow the path round the corner and the gate to the abbey in on the right.

Easby Abbey, even in its ruined presence, is an astounding place to stumble upon.

Established 700 years ago but demolished & picked over since the mid 1500's the abbey is a feast for the imagination.

Although the old walls mustn't be climbed on, the abbey grounds are a lovely place for children to explore, to trigger their imaginations, to prompt questions and hopefully spark an interest in their history.  Bring a picnic and create your own story about the white canons of Easby however who knows what their young minds will conjure up? Click here to go to the English Heritage site Easby Abbey   

On leaving the abbey turn right along the tarmac road.  The path follows round behind Abbey Mill.

The footpath is clearly marked.  At the end of the path pass through a kissing gate into a field. Keep left along the edge of the field to a second kissing gate and a path that picks up the river once more.

Steps down to river if you want a brief detour.

The leaves this autumn have been crisp and deep and crunchy!

The path is easy to follow and a pleasant amble.  No map reading skills required just wander and wonder and enjoy!

After a short while and with the river flowing below, the view of Richmond Castle and the town opens up.

The path bears left between houses and meets the main road.  Turn left and walk over the bridge (see photo) and back to The Station.

The Station at Richmond has lots to offer The Station Richmond It has been cleverly designed to retain all the features of a Victorian station including the original platform, station seating & furniture, waiting room and ticket office.  By now you will be ready to put your feet up in the cafe. Or how about seeing a film in one of the three small cinema screens?  And if the weather has scuppered your plans to walk to Easby Abbey then Richmond Swimming Pool is directly opposite the station Richmond Swimming Pool 

So you see, visit The Station at Richmond - you can't go wrong!