Farnley and Lindley Wood

Sunday, 8th May 2011

6.5 miles (10.5 Km) - 2h 07m

OS 297 - Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley

Circumstances meant that we needed to do a walk close to home, so a chance to do some further exploration of the Washburn Valley and a chance to circumnavigate another of the four reservoirs presented itself.

We parked just outside the church at Farnley (GR SE213480) - only about four or five miles from our home and set off along a track to the wonderfully named Haddockstones farm.  The well marked path tracks across the side of the valley and affords magnificent views both down the valley and across to Otley.

Soon the busy road from Otley to Blubberhouses is encountered for only a short stretch before a path cuts across Farnley Moor and eventually meets a metalled track that drops down the valley to Dob Park Bridge (GR SE196508).

This is a wonderful 17th century packhorse bridge across the River Washburn and had the added attraction of a cache which we found quite easily.

From this point the route is extremely simple and follows the path down the side of the river before arriving at the viaduct (GR SE202498).

Crossing the viaduct the path is regained and goes through delightful woodland, hugging the side of the reservoir.

The final stretch saw a stiff pull up the hill and back to the starting point. Suprisingly, the walk only took us a couple of hours but went really quickly.  Again, there was a strong breeze that hid the fact that the temperature was nearly 20 degrees !!

Photos from the link.

For anyone who is reading this blog, Gill and I will be doing the Leeds WellWalk on Sunday, 22nd May.  This is a 10k circuit around Temple Newsam.  We do need sponsorship so please visit our "giving website".  All contributions are very gratefully received and will help Diabetes UK continue its valuable work.