For a short springtime walk with a real difference and frisson of exploration head to Swinton Park near Masham. Words by Paul Kirkwood.
1. Pass through the walled garden to and through a door in far wall. Keep ahead briefly then turn left. At the end of the path in front of the deer park turn right. At Coffin Pond continue ahead along the right shore passing the bird hide, wild swimming platform, coffins and boat house. Bear left over a bridge and up to Lily Pond and continue to a fork.
2. Fork right to Top Lake then bear right, keeping the lake on your left. Just after the stone seats and arches turn right signed to Quarry Gill to pass a parkland gate with stream to your left.
3. Turn left where the path crosses the stream via concrete sleepers above a waterfall. Follow the path as it loops round to the right. Pass over a bridge with waterfall on your right, bear left at the foot of the quarry face and immediately fork left. As the path bears sharp right look down for a view of Quarry Gill bridge. Ascend steps and continue to loop back towards the sleepers bridge past earlier. Retrace your steps to Top Lake.
4. Turn right and proceed along the southern shore of the lake passing the island ferry. At the end of the lake turn left over an embankment bridge then fork right (or left to divert to the standing stones). Turn right at a fingerpost past earlier then, after 50m, fork right to return to Coffin Pond.
5. Bear right to proceed down its western shore. At the southern tip of the Pond, just after a bench and at the swimming platform, keep ahead into Park Woods. Follow signs to the hotel and walled garden, bearing right after the woodland wellbeing area.
Points of interest
Swinton Park is the landscaped grounds of the luxury hotel of the same name. There are numerous excellent walks here and in the broader estate, all detailed in a booklet available from the hotel and online (see below).
The Park is packed with novelty and interest, not least a birds of prey aviary within the former Gothick orangery. Take off your shoes and socks and
compare natural surfaces on the barefoot path within the Terrace Garden and commune further with nature by chilling in a hammock in the woodland wellbeing space.
Developed in the late 18th century by William Danby, the Park also includes several follies such as grottoes, seats, arches, bridges, an eye-catcher, standing stones, and a summerhouse on one of three tiny islands. Just as unusual are the cofins of two Saxon nuns recovered from a nearby quarry.
On top of that, as you follow the paths' twists and turns, you'll find a ruined
boathouse, waterfall and monumental bridge over a ravine. You can't miss all the deer in the bordering deer park.
Finally, don't forget your swimming costume if you fancy a dip in Top
Lake using the platform for easy access.
Unlike other walks devised by Swinton Estate, the Park trails carry an admission charge of £10 for adults and £2.50 for children. It's good value, though, as the trails have so much to them particularly for young families. Dogs welcome too.
Allow at least two hours for the Quarry Gill route described as there are many spots you'll want to linger.
For all Swinton walks see alltrails.com/lists/swinton-estate-trails.
Eat here
The Terrace Restaurant, Swinton Park. Stylish, airy and casual setting for a meal or morning coffee and cake. Beautifully presented and recommended lunchtime dishes include pig's head pithivier with celeriac remoulade and baked hake with seaweed tapioca.
swintonestate.com.
Johnny Baghdad's Cafe on the Square, Masham. Highly rated café with seating outside.
Menu includes full English breakfast or, for something a bit different, chicken flatbread and lamb koftas with minted salad and hummus. facebook.co.uk/johnnybaghdadcafe.
Compass points
Start/finish: HG4 4JH. SE211798
Time/distance: 5km.
Accessibility: Easy and well signed along clear, firm paths.
Map: Provided at the Country Club.
Parking: At the Swinton Park Country Club and Spa.
Map link: bit.ly/SwintonParkWalk.
