Saturday Walk:16th August – Harder walk – North of the river from Otley – c 8.3 miles

The next walk is in the “harder” category with around 1000 ft of ascending and descending, but we are staying nice and local this time. I think it will take us 3.5 to 4 hours. I last listed this walk in September last year.

I’m going to have us try out the Whittakers pub for lunch afterwards. It’s the one that bought out The Little Corner of the World café. They have outdoor seating if the weather is OK (no TV’s outside). I think we’ll go and take our boots off at the cars before going to the pub for lunch so I’ve reserved tables from 1:15pm. Please let me have your choice from the menu so I can do a pre-order for them.

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The walk will start from the free parking near the Buon Apps restaurant at 9:00am.

We will walk along the Six Dales Trail out of Otley and up the north side of the Wharfe Valley. It’s worth looking back at the great views, if it’s clear. We go over into the Washburn Valley, where the views are lovely again and then we climb up and back over into the Wharfe Valley. Altogether there’s just over 1,000 ft of climbing.

There are plenty of stiles on this walk and whilst some paths and the road walking will be OK, whatever the weather, the numerous fields could be muddy. We will definitely meet livestock and the various fields, usually sheep and cattle.

As this is quite a long walk, you might wish to bring a flask and a snack, and we’ll stop for that on the way round somewhere. We might have to have it standing up!

Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear, which take account of the weather forecast. A pole would be a good idea because of the two hills and the possibility of mud. I do my best to assess the weather and the likely walking conditions but would ask everyone to decide whether a particular walk is right for them on that day. Please note that everyone taking part in the walk does so at their own risk.

OS Map App link

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/15777609/otley-to-clifton-with-extension-to-rose-tree-farm