Explore the Ripon Heritage Loop
Location: Ripon, England
This 9.1 km anticlockwise loop west of Ripon can be joined at any point along its length. The surface is a mix of country lanes and unpaved trails, with roughly 40% on tarmac. For footwear, road shoes will cope in very dry summer conditions, but a trail or hybrid shoe is a better choice for most of the year, particularly after rain when paths across the moor can get soft underfoot.
The route profile is gently rolling rather than hilly. With only 48 metres of total ascent, you’ll feel this as a gradual climb near the start, heading up past Dick Hill and onto the more exposed ground of Studley Moor. The path then drops down and takes you into Studley Deer Park. The tracks through the park are straightforward and it’s common to see deer here, usually at a distance from the main paths.
The second half of the run continues on undulating ground, passing through the village of Studley Roger before looping back towards the Bishopton area. This section is varied, moving between open field edges and more enclosed, shaded paths which contrast with the earlier parts of the route. The terrain allows for a consistent rhythm without any sharp, demanding climbs, making it a good option for a steady-effort run.