Did you know there stands a mysterious druid-like temple deep in the woodlands of North Yorkshire?
Located on the historic Swinton Estate, this alluringly eerie site has been attracting keen visitors for hundreds of years now.
Well worth a visit, the grounds of the temple are incredibly atmospheric, and the variety of off-shoot countryside trails offer a fantastic opportunity for further exploration.
Nevertheless – while certainly uncanny in appearance – it must be noted that this folly is not an actual Druid’s Temple!
A little digging into the history of the location and you soon uncover all is not as it seems…
Want to find out more? Then let’s get to it 👇👇
What is the Druid’s Temple?
While dubbed a ‘Druid’s Temple’, in reality this folly was not built until the 1700s by owner of the Swinton Estate, William Danby.
It’s believed the temple was constructed at a time of public fascination around druidism and the occult, during the height of the romantic period.
Inspired by famed stone circle sites such as Stonehenge, the Druid’s Temple at Masham contains a mysterious temple along with other creations styled after numinous prehistoric formations.
Some of stones which make up the temple stand an impressive 10 feet high and the structure in total runs 100 metres long. Towards the far end of the temple you’ll also find a low stone altar followed by a cavern/tomb area.
What was the Druid’s Temple used for?
Not much is known about the purpose of the Druid’s Temple, which only further adds to the mystique.
Legend has it that a bearded hermit did indeed live at the folly for many years after the site was constructed. Who knows, maybe he resided in the small cavern area behind the stone alter? 🧙
Past rumours have even linked the Druid’s Temple to satanic rituals. Most famously making national press in 2000, the secretary of Baroness Masham discovered a pig’s head placed on the stone alter as she was taking the dog on a morning stroll. Not a pretty sight I’m sure!
Despite all the urban myths however, the most likely purpose of Danby’s Druid Temple folly was to help alleviate unemployment in the local area.
Hiring a bunch of resident labourers for the task, William Danby was able to pay the workers a shilling a day during the construction of his pleasure-project.
While William Danby was clearly an eccentric man, druid inspired creations from this period were by no means uncommon. Several still remain dotted around the landscape today, for example the Head of Horous which can be found near Widdop Reservoir.
Fun fact – A man of many hats, did you know William Danby was also sheriff of Yorkshire for a time?
Where do you park at Druid’s Temple?
The best place to park when visiting the Druid’s Temple is at Swinton Bivouc.
Simply type Swinton Bivouc into your sat nav and away you go; the signposts will lead the way once you get close.
Parking payment is just £3 via an honesty box on-site. Simply slip your £3 into one of the envelopes provided and jot down your car registration onto the front of the letter so they know you’ve paid.
Alternatively – if you don’t have any loose change handy – you can always pop into the café and make the payment via 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 it is possible to walk directly to the Druid’s Temple via a gentle 5-10-minute stroll from the car park, simply doing this likely won’t satiate your appetite if you’ve come for a proper day out!
With walking & cycle trails weaving through the surrounding countryside, there are a number of picturesque & colour-coded paths to choose from after exploring the temple.
Off all hikes in the area however, the very best in my opinion is the Swinton Bivouac, Druid’s Temple & Sole Beck Circular Walk.
Starting from Swinton Bivouac café within Swinton Estate, simply head to the Druid’s Temple before heading out on the countryside trails over spectacular moorlands, through magical woodlands and past the historic ruins of Lobley Hall before looping back to the car park.
Guiding you predominantly along country paths through gorgeous Yorkshire landscape, you’ll only occasionally have to walk on country roads. Just keep an ear out for cars and step to the side when you hear one approaching since the roads are quite narrow.
The trail is also quite boggy in parts so bring your walking boots, and be sure to keep your dog on a lead since many of the permissive footpaths are home to livestock.
Easy to follow for the most part, it must be noted that the last leg of the trip as you approach Lobley Hall follows an uneven & rocky streamside trail which is rife with bramble overgrowth, nettles and other plant life.
While by no means anything too difficult for the average rambler, it is still worth taking taking care when traversing this section, particularly when hiking in wet conditions or with dogs/children.
Alternatively, if you aren’t confident in your ability or the conditions during your trek, you can always simply turn back and return the way you came.
Furthermore, before your ramble, I’d certainly recommend downloading the AllTrails app to help keep you on track. Providing live accurate GPS navigation and keeping tabs on your walking distance & time, using this app really does give you the peace of mind when out on the trail.
Druid’s Temple walk map
Lobley Hall
An interesting site in its own right, the derelict building of Lobley Hall can be seen standing alone in the forestry towards the end of the Druid’s Temple circular trail.
A grade II listed building, the ruins are sectioned off with barbed wire fencing, though you can get close enough to peer through the windows. Inside you’ll see a fireplace, and you can just about make out a date carved above the door lintel which looks to read 1668. Funny to think this building is actually older than the Druid’s Temple!
How long is the Druid’s Temple walk?
If you only want to check out the Druid’s Temple, you can simply reach it on foot via a 5-10 minute walk straight from the car park.
There are also several short strolls you can take around the estate; the most popular being a 2-kilometer trail highlighted in green on the map you’ll find at the entrance of the folly.
However, if you’re wanting a proper ramble, after visiting the temple you can head out on the full circular trail detailed above which is around 7.9km and should take you around 2-3 hours to complete.
This is the best route by far in my opinion, and is sure to satiate those wanting a proper outdoor adventure after making the journey here!
Is Druid’s Temple pram friendly?
If you’re heading directly to the Druid’s Temple, then the footpaths are generally well-kempt and should be fine for an off-road pram. The full circular trail around the Swinton Estate however is not suitable for a pram due to the rocky, uneven and generally boggy terrain.
More resources?
Looking for more great walks and interesting sights in the area? Then be sure to head on over to our ‘BEST Walks In Yorkshire’ post; I’m sure there’s something that’ll peak your interest!
Happy walking 🚶🚶