Nidd Gorge facts for kids
Nidd Gorge is a special part of the River Nidd in North Yorkshire, England. Here, the river flows through a deep, narrow valley with steep, tree-covered sides. The River Nidd starts high up near Great Whernside in Nidderdale (which is part of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales). It then flows all the way to join the River Ouse near Nun Monkton.
Nidd Gorge itself is about 3 miles (4.8 km) long. It stretches from the old Nidd viaduct at Bilton in Harrogate to Grimbald Bridge, which is just south of Knaresborough.
How Nidd Gorge Was Formed
This impressive 120-foot (37 m) deep gorge was carved out of soft sandstone. This happened during the last Ice Age, many thousands of years ago. People first lived in this area about 5,000 years ago. However, the thick woodlands you see today have only been here since the early 1600s.
During the 1700s, the Industrial Revolution began. This was a time when new machines changed how things were made. Mills started to appear along the river here. They used the strong force of the water to power their machinery. Scotton Flax mill was built in 1798. It was run by a company called Eteson Dearlove until 1851. There was also another mill in Bilton on the other side of the weir. Most of that mill is now gone. The 'Scotton' mill still stands, but it's no longer a factory and is now a private home.
Looking After Nidd Gorge
In 1982, Harrogate Borough Council started the Nidd Gorge Management Project. Their goal was to make the 68-acre (28 ha) area easier for people to explore. Before this, the path along the river could be very muddy and hard to use, especially after heavy rain. To fix this, the council put down wooden walkways called 'duck boards' in the muddiest spots. These boards help walkers and cyclists get through easily.
Thanks to this work, the path is now very popular. People who love hiking and cycling come from all over Yorkshire and the United Kingdom. The woodlands are also a favorite spot for birdwatchers. They come to see the many different types of birds that live in the gorge. The project carefully watches the wildlife here. They also keep the paths in good condition. This helps make the gorge a lovely place for everyone to enjoy. The Woodland Trust helps look after the trees around Nidd Gorge. They manage over 1,000 woodland areas across the UK.
The Nidd viaduct, at the west end of the gorge, used to carry a railway line. This line connected Harrogate to Pateley Bridge, Northallerton, and Thirsk. It closed in 1967. Today, the viaduct is part of the Nidderdale Greenway. This is a smooth, paved path that is great for walkers, cyclists, and people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. It stretches for 4 miles (6.4 km) between Bilton in Harrogate and Ripley. There are plans for a new road that could affect the gorge and the greenway.
Amazing Wildlife in Nidd Gorge
Nidd Gorge is home to a wide variety of animals and insects. People who study insects, called entomologists, especially love this area. It's known for its many different kinds of butterflies. It also has a high number of rare ladybirds.
Many types of birds live in the mixed deciduous (trees that lose their leaves) and coniferous (evergreen trees) woodlands. You might spot treecreepers and nuthatches. Sometimes, you can even see the lesser spotted woodpecker!
