This was one of those walks where the scenery kept changing just as I thought I'd seen the best part. One moment I was following quiet riverside paths, the next I was crossing open fields, passing old farm tracks, or walking through woodland with barely another person around. It never felt repetitive, which is rare on a route of this length.

The section through Knaresborough itself was full of character. The views over the River Nidd, the historic buildings, and the famous viaduct make it easy to understand why the town is so popular. Once away from the busiest areas, the trail became much quieter, with long stretches where it felt like I had the countryside to myself.

One of my favourite parts was how varied the route was. Waterfalls, old mills, riverside scenery, rolling fields, and woodland all appeared throughout the day, making it feel like several different walks combined into one. There were plenty of places to stop for a drink, take photographs, or simply enjoy the surroundings before carrying on.

By the end of the walk, my legs certainly knew I'd covered over 35 kilometres, but it never felt like a slog. The constant variety kept me motivated from start to finish. If you're looking for a long circular walk that combines history, nature, beautiful views, and peaceful countryside, this is one I'd happily recommend and would walk again.