The summer Nidderdale Rambler bus service has been extended this year and will now run every Sunday until the 18th October, providing the perfect opportunity to explore Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Supported by the Nidderdale AONB Sustainable Development Fund, the bus links Harrogate and Pateley Bridge to Brimham Rocks and Upper Nidderdale. With stops at Wath, Gouthwaite Reservoir, Ramsgill, Lofthouse, How Stean Gorge and Middlesmoor, it gives people the chance to leave the car at home and discover the AONB without having to worry about where to park. It is also a great way for people without a car to explore the AONB, as well as helping to reduce pollution and congestion.

Paul Burgess, AONB Officer, said, “The Nidderdale Rambler has been running over the summer and has proved to be really popular. It is vitally important to have sustainable services like this in the AONB and we are really pleased that the service is being extended.”

The bus (service number 825) runs every Sunday and leaves Harrogate Bus Station at 10.10 for Brimham Rocks, Pateley Bridge and Upper Nidderdale. Buses leave Pateley Bridge (King Street) at 1100, 1230, 1530 and 1630 for Upper Nidderdale and at 1200, 1500 and 1730 for Brimham Rocks.

The Nidderdale Rambler bus even provides a free cycle-carrying facility - if you would like to book a space for your bike call 01423 711252.

The Eastern Dalesman (bus 820) runs every Sunday from Leeds at 09.30 or Otley at 10.05 to connect with the Nidderdale Rambler at Pateley Bridge. Alternatively continue on the Eastern Dalesman to explore Fountains Abbey, Masham, Leyburn and Richmond.

Two guided walks have also been organised to help people explore Nidderdale using the Nidderdale Rambler:

Sunday 27th September – Exploring Upper Nidderdale

An interesting moorland ramble on good tracks to Dale Edge with fine views of Scar House Reservoir. A moderate 9-mile walk. Starts at Ramsgill at 11.15 and finishes at Lofthouse at approximately 16.30

To join the walk catch the Nidderdale Rambler (825) to Ramsgill from Harrogate (10.10) or Pateley Bridge (11.00). Connections are available to Pateley Bridge on bus 820 from Leeds (09.30) and Otley (10.05). Return on bus 825 from Lofthouse.

Sunday 4th October – Burnt Yates to Brimham Rocks

A moderate 6-mile cross-country walk to the ever-fascinating Brimham Rocks.

Starts at Burnt Yates at 10.30 and finishes at Brimham Rocks at about 14.30

To join the walk catch the Nidderdale Rambler (825) from Harrogate (10.10) to Burnt Yates. A connection from Leeds (09.15) to Harrogate is available on bus 36. After the walk catch bus 825 from Brimham Rocks to Pateley Bridge or Harrogate for onward connections.

If you would like to find out more about the Nidderdale Rambler, including full timetables please visit www.dalesbus.org or call 01423 711252