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A visit to my daughter and son-in law, now resident in Darlington, invariably involves a walk from one of my favourite locations in the north of England.
The market town of Richmond in North Yorkshire, population 8413 at the 2011 census, sits proudly by the River Swale. With its iconic castle and cobbled marketplace, it has become something of a tourist magnet for the area. The town bills itself as a walker's paradise, either as a base for some serious hiking in the Yorkshire Dales or for exploring the town and riverside paths. Downloadable walking routes can be found on the town's Welcome to Richmond website.
Our walk on a grey, wet late October day begins out of the centre at the site of the old Richmond Racecourse.
Start: Richmond Racecourse Grandstand East Parking area off Whashton Road,
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glider.violinist Fact File: Distance: 8 miles Time: Allow 4-5 hours to explore the town.
Grade: Moderate but with two steep and prolonged ascents Map: OS Explorer 304, Darlington and Richmond Directions: Go through the wooden gate from the car park onto the grassy fields of the old racecourse. Take one of the well-trodden paths heading through the middle of the course towards the now dilapidated grandstand. On reaching the buildings turn left on a well marked path heading towards and through another smaller car park to emerge onto Hurgill Road. Turn right...