21, Knaresborough to Roecliffe Church

Journey Overview

The 21 from Knaresborough Bus Station to Boroughbridge and Roecliffe Church is a gradual, captivating shift from historic town to open, expansive, entrancing countryside, revealing North Yorkshire at an unhurried pace, seeped in history. Leaving the bus station, the 21 moves through Knaresborough’s compact streets, where stone buildings, small shops and residential terraces sit close together. Customers catch brief glimpses downhill towards the beautiful River Nidd, with the awe-inspiring, famous viaduct occasionally visible between buildings as the road curves away from the town centre.

On the journey, thoughts of Knaresborough and its strong and distinctive association with Blind Jack, one of the town’s most remarkable historical figures, are never far away and worth telling. Born John Metcalf in Knaresborough in 1717, Blind Jack lost his sight at a young age following illness, yet went on to live an extraordinarily active and influential life. Despite being blind, Metcalf became best known as a pioneering road builder during the 18th century. At a time when Britain’s road network was poorly maintained, he was responsible for constructing and improving around 180 miles of turnpike roads across Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Once clear of Knaresborough, the scenery opens quickly but mesmerising too! The 21 runs through gently rolling farmland, with long hedgerows, wide fields and low stone walls defining the landscape. Farmyards, barns and isolated cottages appear at intervals, emphasising the rural nature of the route. Roads narrow and straighten, offering long views across fields where the land rises and falls subtly rather than dramatically.

Approaching villages along the way, the bus passes clusters of houses grouped around crossroads or greens. These settlements feel purposeful and self-contained, often marked by a pub, a church tower or a line of older cottages set back from the road. Traffic thins, and the rhythm of the journey slows, allowing time to observe changes in field patterns and soil colour as the route progresses north. Maybe stop off at Goldsborough and visit the famous Goldsborough Hall, built in the 17th Century and with a fading but captivating elegance and lovely grounds.

As Boroughbridge comes into view, the character shifts again. The town announces itself through wider roads, housing estates and signs of local commerce. The River Ure lies close by, flattening the surrounding land and lending the area a broader, more open feel. Beyond Boroughbridge, the final stretch towards Roecliffe Church becomes quieter once more. The bus moves past open fields and sparse housing, finishing in a setting that feels distinctly rural, with the church standing as a clear landmark amid farmland.

A Fab Day Out!

Start your day in Knaresborough with breakfast before boarding the bus. Around the town centre, cafés near the market place and riverside offer cooked breakfasts, pastries and strong coffee. After eating, take a short walk towards the River Nidd to look out over the water and the viaduct, setting the tone for a day shaped by landscape and movement.

Board the Number 21 at Knaresborough Bus Station and settle in for the countryside stretch. Consider stopping briefly in one of the villages along the route to explore local streets or green spaces before continuing. The pace of the service makes it easy to hop on and off without rushing.

Plan to stop for lunch in Boroughbridge. The town centre has pubs, cafés and tearooms clustered within walking distance of the bus stop. Eating here provides a natural midpoint to the journey. After lunch, take a walk down to the River Ure, where flat riverside paths and open views offer a calm contrast to the town streets.

In the afternoon, reboard the bus towards Roecliffe Church. The quieter roads and open fields make this final section feel reflective. At Roecliffe, spend time around the church and surrounding lanes, appreciating the sense of space and isolation before heading back or continuing onward. This route works best when taken slowly, turning a practical bus service into a full rural day out.