June 2024

17 of us set off on a cloudy, warm and humid day. This was a beautiful walk in a wooded gorge with good views of Richmond Castle along the banks of the River Swale. Most of it was a circular route on both sides of the river, only the start and finish being on the same path. There was much of interest including various bridges, and lovely birdsong in the quieter stretches, which one of our walkers identified via an app. The route is popular with tourists. We had lunch within the ruins of Easby Abbey. The walk back was along an old railway route which terminated at what was Richmond station, but now is a very welcome ice cream stop !

Easby Abbey, or the Abbey of St Agatha, is a ruined Premonstratensian abbey. It is not as grand as Rievaulx or Fountains Abbey, but definitely worth a visit. Entrance is free though the accompanying car park is not. It was founded by Roald, Constable of Richmond Castle in 1152, and was inhabited by ordained canons who undertook preaching and pastoral work in the local area and distributed free food. They also raised sheep. The Abbey was dissolved in 1537 at the order of Henry VIII, and soon became a ruin. The church within the grounds is still used for occasional worship and is part of an Anglican benefice.

Author: Richard E

Pictures: John S