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Main Instructor:

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Hosted By:

Susan Spall

Walk Description:

 

Join us for a walk around the wonderful Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water gardens, near Ripon. Fairly gentle walk of 8km’s with time to look at the Abbey and various monuments as well as the Water gardens. 

Fountains abbey ruins are the largest monastic ruins in the country and Studley Water park is the result of a vision of John Aislabie, when he inherited the estate in 1693. 

We will also look at other features around the estate. Couple of hills, but good terrain throughout. A couple of cafes for you to enjoy refreshments. 

Fountains Abbey – largest monastic ruins in the country, was a Cistercian house established in 1132 by 11 monks. They had left St marys in York seeking seclusion to dedicate their lives to God. The archbishop of York gave them a site deep in the Skell valley to found their new abbey. Was ruined after the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 

Fountains Hall – is a country house, was built in 1598 partly with stone from the Abbey ruins 

Temple of Fame – a folly built high up with views over the water garden 

Octagen tower – historic structure built in 1728 probably as a viewing platform 

Water gardens – John Aislabie began altering the landscape around the estate after he became chancellor of the exchequer, when his son inherited the site, he continued to transform the landscape. The designed landscape included the deer park, the water garden, the ruins of fountains abbey and extended beyound to gardens which no longer exist. They manipulated nature, altered the water course of the River Skell, planted extensively to hide and expose views,  

 

Walk speed guide:

Gentle stroll - Gear 1 - Nice pace that you can do for extended periods. 2-2.5mph (these generally are our Wellness walks)   Easy walk - Gear 2 - Faster pace gained through technique. Expect Gear 2 at times throughout the walk with occasional photo stops. 2.5mph (Most of our 1-hour Explorer walks)   Moderate walk - Gear 2/3 - Faster again using technique and with less recovery. Very little stopping. 2.5mph-3mph+ (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks)   Strenuous walk - gear 3/4  (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks).

You are asked to contact your WALX Guide by phone, leaving a voicemail or sending an sms text to the number listed below, if you are likely to be delayed as we do start classes promptly.

Whilst we do understand that sometimes it is not possible to make a class, please be aware that we do operate a no refund policy if you give us less than 2 hours’ notice.

All activities are undertaken at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries or accidents incurred. We undertake to deliver all classes with qualified staff and have made every effort to risk assess all WALX. On occasions it is necessary to make dynamic risk assessment decisions when there is a localised incident such as trees fallen en route, flooding, traffic changes, etc.

Please ensure your PARQ is up to date and notify us in writing if you have any change to your medical records, or physical or mental wellbeing. This should include any surgery, falls, knocks, or accidents. Thank you.

Contact details (only contact to notify if late or cancelling)

Matt 07530 813225

 

Location Notes:

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