Around The Laver

Route Overview & Local Insights

The "Around The Laver" loop is a quintessential Ripon run, offering a brisk 6.8km escape that balances city convenience with rural charm. Starting from the heart of this historic cathedral city, the route is predominantly flat with only 10m of ascent, making it an ideal choice for tempo sessions or a relaxed recovery jog. Runners will enjoy a diverse mix of terrain—roughly 55% is paved, while the remainder transitions into the soft grass and wooded dirt tracks of Hell Wath Nature Reserve. The highlight of the circuit is the double crossing of the River Laver, providing a refreshing waterside backdrop before you hit the quiet stretches of Galphay Lane. Be sure to wear trail shoes if it’s been raining, as the riverside sections can become quite soft and technical.

Rich in local heritage, this route takes you through the ancient Gateway to the Dales. Ripon, one of the oldest cities in England, is famous for its Hornblower tradition and its stunning 12th-century Cathedral, but for local runners, the real gem is Hell Wath. This area served as a significant military training camp during World War I—where the poet Wilfred Owen was once stationed—and has since been reclaimed by nature as a sprawling green haven. As you loop back via Mallorie Park Drive, you’re following in the footsteps of centuries of North Yorkshire history, transitioning from the wilder edges of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back into the refined, leafy streets of the city center.