Nidderdale Greenway The coming of the railways was important for Nidderdale from the mid 19th century. Initially horse drawn buses linked Pateley Bridge with the Leeds- Thirsk line at Nidd bridge. Eventually a railway branch line to the town was opened in 1862. The rail link had a significant effect on the area, allowing increased movement of people and goods, and the beginnings of the tourist industry in the area. Later, the Nidd Valley Light Railway, from Pateley Bridge to Angram, was built to help in construction of the reservoirs in the upper dale. Both railway lines closed early in the 20th century. Now the line has been converted to a Greenway, a 4 mile path running from Harrogate to Ripley. Horse access is brilliant although there is a well fenced short section alongside the working railway line at Harrogate. It passes wildflower meadows, gorgeous woodland and golden wheat fields in the summer. Much of the route looks firm (tarmac). Even the section of bridleway from Old Bilton has been surfaced and is claimed as NCN 67! There is a Light controlled crossing across the A61 at the Ripley end of the Bridleway and a traffic free path that takes you into Ripley where there is good parking. The Greenway has been extended as far as Clint on another Bridleway, but for Equestrian Railway Access purposes, this is not a disused railway line. Grid ref: SE 309 5585 Off Dragon Road, Harrogate Parking in Car park Grid ref: SE 2842 6033 Ripley Free Parking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfn7KrMuQLs Nidderdale Greenway - Visit Harrogate Nidd Valley Light Railway - Wikipedia