周辺のスポット/アトラクション・トップ20

Dob Park Bridge spans the River Washburn. The bridge carried the routeway from Dob Park Mill and probably Dob Park Lodge across the river to Norwood and Fewston. It is narrow in width and was intended to carry horses loaded with panniers across the water.

Lindley Wood is a compensation reservoir, which means it is not linked to the supply of water to homes but is there to take excess water from Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs, which are nearby. This is why there is not much water in there.

Great walks through the Chevin Forest. Perfect for dogs. Saturday morning at 9 you’ll see the Park Run coming through.

This reservoir is one of the oldest in the Washbourn Valley; it was built between 1869 and 1876. The other three reservoirs here are Thruscross, Swinsty and Fewston. Walking around the reservoir is a truly aesthetic, soul-beautifying experience. The green wooded banks, woodland and reservoir paths and open countryside... what else would anyone want in life?... oh, sunsets here are unbelievable.

Chevin Forest Park stands tall on a ridge on the southside of Wharfedale in West Yorkshire. Its elevated position provides fantastic views over the market town of Otley and expansive countryside surrounding ite. The Chevin is a wonderful place to explore history and geology, as it hosts a number of fascinating historical landmarks. It's also a haven for bird-watching, and features a diverse range of flora and fauna, including foot trefoil, yellow rattle, common knapweed and vetches, which in turn are great for the nationally rare bilberry bumblebee.

Spofforth held paramount significance as the primary residence of the Percy family, a pivotal and commanding lineage in the northern realms of England, until the concluding era of the 14th century. William de Percy, a cherished figure in the eyes of William the Conqueror, erected a distinguished manor house upon this land during the 11th century. It is said that within these very grounds, insurgent barons convened to draft the historic Magna Carta in the year 1215.

Small fortified manor house.

Spofforth Castle was a fortified Manor House, supposedly where the Magna Carta was written in 1215. The castle was bought by the people of Spofforth in 1985 to ensure that it could continue to be enjoyed by the local community. This means it is free to visit for everyone. For more details see the website https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/spofforth-castle/

Lindley Wood Reservoir was the first of the four reservoirs in the Washburn Valley to be built. It was constructed by navvies between 1869 and 1876. In the summer of 2022 it dried up exposing a cracked mud bed. Lindley Wood acts to take in excess water from nearby Fewston and Swinsty Reserviors. As the country was in drought, there was no excess water to fill it.

The bridleway to the bridge is steep and rocky on both sides so you need to take care - I walked a bit :-)

Bridge over River Washburn. Probably early C17 with C18 repairs. Gritstone. Single-span high round arch, packhorse width, paved with stone setts and with flat blocks to parapet tied together with iron staples. Steep, rocky descent so be careful!

Tranquil spot showing old ways of transport

In the blissfully serene Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this classic packhorse crossing is a favourite of walkers. It occupies a particularly picturesque setting in the Washburn Valley, a gorgeous place for a ramble. The bridge is Grade II-listed and offers a glimpse back to a bygone era.

Otley is a hive of adventurous activity, welcoming visitors seeking the great outdoors from the nearby cities of Leeds and Bradford. It is the gateway to Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while the Yorkshire Dales National Park is just a short drive away too. Nestled on the River Wharfe, there is plenty of excellent walking in the surrounding countryside, be it on the moors, along the river or in beautiful woodland. Back in town, there are plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants, boutiques and gear shops to keep you entertained for hours. To the south of the town is the Chevin, a wooded gritstone escarpment full of historical and scenic interest. The 180-acre (73 ha) site is criss-crossed by excellent paths. Further afield, Ilkley Moor is a magnificent place for a moorland ramble.

Otley is full of great independent cafes. My very favourite is Bloomfield Square - opposite the side entrance to the Sainsburys car park. The owner is a keen cyclist too and the Brownlee's seem to enjoy a visit here as well.

Free to visit and open at any time

The castle is quite impressive for it's size and free to enter. Just pop round the back and through the gates. A good spot for some refuelling.

Great cycling culture in this town, the Otley town centre crit is worth a visit!

If you are feeling a little more energetic on the Sunday morning stroll around the resevoirs, add a little extra and see something unique as you watch the world go by.

There is a lovely café just outside of Otley at Askwith, it is called the Cockpit Farm Tea Room. Open Thursday to Sunday 11am till 4pm. Homecooked food and cakes with outdoor seating. Very nice staff who are friendly and happy to help.