Drive from Harrogate on the A661 to Spofforth and stop there to explore the castle.
After the Norman Conquest, Spofforth became the seat of the famous Percy family, well respected for their great prowess in the battlefield (remember Hotspur in the Shakespeare plays)
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In 1560, Henry Lord Percy repaired and refortified the castle, but it was finally demolished during the Civil war. The ruins of the castle still remain and you can make out the great hall, the windows of which are arched and finely decorated in the gothic style .Enjoy the views from the village green in front of the castle, a fine spot to stay awhile for a picnic on a warm summer’s day.
Continue on to Ribston village and make time to walk the public footpath which goes through the main gates to the Hall and grounds, where soon you cross over the River Nidd via the ornate stone bridge.
In 1224, the hall was given to the Knights Templers, an order of monkish warriors formed soon after the capture of Jerusalem from the Saracens by the Crusaders. In the church of St Andrews which adjoins the hall are 2 large slabs which mark the resting place of these warriors
Ribston Park was also the home of the famous Ribston Pippin apple tree which was first raised from seed bought from France. The many trees which now flourish all over the country were originally raised from this tree.
The hall and park are privately owned, so please be sure and stay on the public footpath.
Take the B6165 towards Wetherby and take the left turning to Cowthorpe. Continue on this road, crossing over the A168 and then the A1 motorway via the bridges.
Stop a while at Cowthorpe, home of the huge ancient oak tree which was still living around 100 years ago, supported by props of timber, which had been there so long they had grown into the tree. It is believed to have been around since the Bronze age, and witnessed the Saxons, Normans Civil war etc, indeed in the great storm of 1718 it lost one of its principal branches which weighed over 5 tons. Its foliage spread over half an acre.
Sadly it has not survived, but the site can be viewed from the footpath to Hunsingore.
Pause a while to visit the ancient church consecrated in 1459. The ancient font with its armorial bearings of Lord de Ross,
the Hammertons and Plumptons is of great interest, The church is no longer regularly used, but you may go inside via the small side door to the right of the main entrance, open during day light hours .Tradition has it that young Guido Fawkes spent many of his youthful days here as his father had an estate in Cowthorpe, apparently taking his turn at ringing the church bells.
If you have time, park your car safely in the village and take the footpath near to the church which crosses the River Nidd into Hunsingore. This peaceful village was the last in England where stocks were erected in 1844.Strangely the only occupant was the village parson who expressed a wish to experience what it was like to be in them and was duly obliged. The village lads one dark and stormy night dug up the stocks and threw them into the river Nidd where they were fished out near York.
Retrace your steps back to Cowthorpe and drive on through Tockwith village and towards the village of Long Marston.
Before you reach Long Marston, on your left is the memorial to the Battle of Marston Moor.
This was the site of the famous battle in July 1644 when the Royalists led by Prince Rupert engaged with the Roundheads led by Oliver Cromwell. Many relics of this great battle have been found within a mile or so of this site including cannon balls, bullets, broken swords and pistols. 
The Roundheads won the day and according to some accounts about 8000 men were slain in this dreadful contest. In this now peaceful and largely unchanged spot it is difficult to imagine the terrible tragedy that it was once witness to.
The tour is now completed, so time to return to your accommodation and relaxing meal.
