Did you know there is a mysterious druid-like temple hidden deep in the woodlands of North Yorkshire?
Sitting on the historic Swinton Estate, this hauntingly beautiful site has been drawing curious visitors for hundreds of years.
A visit is truly worth it, as the temple’s grounds are full of atmosphere, and the surrounding countryside trails give a perfect chance for more adventurous exploration.
The area is home to many hiking and cycling trails, but there’s one Druids Temple walk that stands out as the absolute best (we’ll dive into that shortly).
However, while the temple looks mysterious and otherworldly, it’s important to know that it isn’t a real Druids Temple!
A closer look into its history soon reveals that things are not quite what they seem…
What is the Druid’s Temple?
Although called a ‘Druids Temple’, this structure was actually built in the 1700s by William Danby, the owner of the Swinton Estate.
The temple was likely created during a time when the public was fascinated by druidism and the mystical, at the height of the Romantic period.
Modeled on famous stone circles like Stonehenge, the Druids Temple in Masham features a mysterious temple along with other structures inspired by ancient prehistoric formations.
Some of the stones forming the temple rise an impressive ten feet high, and the entire structure stretches for one hundred metres.
At the far end, you’ll also discover a low stone altar, followed by a small cavern or tomb-like area.
What was the Druid’s Temple used for?
Little is known about the purpose of the Druids Temple, which only adds to its mysterious allure.
Legend says a bearded hermit lived at the site for many years after it was built. Perhaps he even stayed in the small cavern behind the stone altar?
Past rumours have even tied the Druids Temple to dark rituals. Most famously, in two thousand, the secretary of Baroness Masham found a pig’s head on the stone altar while walking her dog. Certainly not a pleasant sight!
Despite these urban legends, the most likely reason for Danby’s Druids Temple folly was to provide employment for the local community.
William Danby hired local labourers for the project, paying them a shilling a day to work on his pleasure-filled creation.
While clearly eccentric, Danby’s druid-inspired constructions were not unusual for the period. Several similar structures still exist today, such as the Head of Horus near Widdop Reservoir.
Fun fact – a man of many roles, William Danby also served as sheriff of Yorkshire for a time.
Where do you park at Druid’s Temple?
The best place to park when visiting the Druids Temple is at Swinton Bivouac.
Just enter Swinton Bivouac into your sat nav, and follow the signposts once you’re nearby.
Parking costs three pounds, payable via the honesty box on-site. Simply place your payment in one of the envelopes provided and write your car registration on the front.
If you don’t have any cash, you can also pay at the café using a card at the counter.
Druid’s Temple walk
Length: 7.9km (4.9 miles)
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy/moderate
Address: Swinton Bivouac, Masham, Ilton, Ripon HG4 4JZ
While you can reach the Druids Temple with a gentle five to ten-minute walk from the car park, this short stroll is unlikely to satisfy if you’re planning a full day out!
With walking and cycling trails winding through the surrounding countryside, there are plenty of scenic, colour-coded paths to explore after visiting the temple.
Of all the hikes in the area, the very best is the Swinton Bivouac, Druids Temple, and Sole Beck Circular Walk.
Starting from the Swinton Bivouac café within Swinton Estate, begin by visiting the Druids Temple, then continue along the countryside trails over stunning moorlands, through enchanting woodlands, and past the historic ruins of Lobley Hall before looping back to the car park.
The route mainly follows country paths through beautiful Yorkshire scenery, with only occasional stretches on narrow country roads—stay alert for passing cars and step aside when needed.
Some parts of the trail can be boggy, so make sure to wear walking boots, and keep your dog on a lead as many footpaths pass through fields with livestock.
The trail is generally easy to follow, but the final section near Lobley Hall follows a rocky streamside path, overgrown with brambles, nettles, and other plants.
While not overly challenging for the average hiker, it’s still important to take care on this section, especially in wet conditions or when walking with dogs or children.
If you’re unsure of your ability or the trail conditions, you can always turn back and retrace your steps.
Before setting out, it’s highly recommended to download the AllTrails app. With live GPS navigation and real-time tracking of distance and time, the app offers great peace of mind while exploring the trail.
Druid’s Temple walk map
Lobley Hall
An intriguing spot on its own, the derelict Lobley Hall stands alone in the woods near the end of the Druids Temple circular trail.
This Grade II listed building is fenced off with barbed wire, but you can get close enough to peek through the windows. Inside, there’s a fireplace, and above the door lintel, a date appears to read sixteen sixty-eight. It’s amazing to think this building is actually older than the Druids Temple!
How long is the Druid’s Temple walk?
If you just want to visit the Druids Temple, it’s an easy five to ten-minute walk from the car park.
There are also a few short walks around the estate, with the most popular being a two-kilometre trail marked in green on the map at the entrance to the temple.
However, if you’re up for a full hike, after visiting the temple you can take the complete circular trail mentioned earlier, which is around seven point nine kilometres and takes roughly two to three hours to complete.
In my opinion, this is by far the best route and is perfect for anyone looking for a proper outdoor adventure after coming here!
Is Druid’s Temple pram friendly?
If you’re going straight to the Druids Temple, the footpaths are generally well-maintained and should be fine for an off-road pram.
However, the full circular trail around Swinton Estate is not suitable for a pram due to the rocky, uneven, and often boggy terrain.
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