Catterick Training Area is located on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, south of the market town of Richmond.
Site Description
The area's military history dates from as far back as 1798. Later, General Lord Baden-Powell, based in Richmond from 1908 to 1910, was tasked by the War Office to establish a military Training Area in the north of England, and he chose Catterick. Its status as a permanent Training Centre was secured in 1921 and a period of intensive building followed. The land comprising the current Training Area was acquired between 1921 and 1985.
In conjunction with military training, Catterick Training Area is predominantly used for extensive livestock grazing, while the better in-bye land is farmed more intensively for hay, silage and arable crops. The Ranges also have numerous archaeological remains, including 36 Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
The Training Area is the home of abundant wild life including some rare species of plants and animals. There are two areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Access Opportunities
There are a number of public rights of way across Catterick Training Area, including a part of the Coast to Coast long distance route.
A walk on the Catterick Training Area is detailed in the "Related pages/documents" link on the right.
Most of the walk is within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and is on the edge of a Live Firing Range. Access is permitted at all times, including when the red flags are flying as the route stays outside the danger area. Walkers must not leave the route of the public right of way and must follow the safety instructions on site.
Further Information from...
For further information about activity on the Training Area, contact The Range Officer Tel: 01748 875502/875507. Outside normal hours, contact the guardhouse Tel: 01748 875542.
OS Map References
OS Landranger Sheet 98
(Wensleydale & Upper Wharfedale) 1:50,000
OS Landranger Sheet 99
(Northallerton & Ripon) 1:50,000
OS Outdoor Leisure Sheet 30
(Yorkshire Dales Northern & Central Areas) 1:25,000