Earthwork in Magdalen Field

The earthwork in Magdalen Field sits just outside Ripon, a lumpy bit of ground that most people walk past without a second glance. But if you're into archaeology or Iron Age settlements, it's worth stopping to actually look at what you're standing on. There's a proper defensive ditch-and-bank system here, though you'll need a bit of imagination to picture how imposing it once looked - centuries of ploughing and weather have softened the edges considerably.

This is really one for the history enthusiasts rather than casual visitors. Kids might find it a bit underwhelming unless you're good at storytelling on your feet - it's not dramatic, and there's no visitor infrastructure to speak of. Walkers based in the Ripon area will probably stumble across it naturally if they're exploring the surrounding countryside, especially if you're staying at somewhere like Sleningford Watermill or Woodhouse Farm nearby.

The site itself is free to access and takes about twenty minutes to properly examine, though you'll need to know roughly where to look. There's no signage or facilities, so bring a decent map or have coordinates handy. The real value here is combining it with other walks around Ripon - the cathedral city itself is worth an afternoon, and the Yorkshire Dales are close enough for day trips. It's the kind of place that rewards a bit of effort and local knowledge rather than a direct detour. Fair warning though: if you're expecting something as obvious as an Iron Age hillfort, you'll be disappointed.