Burley in Wharfedale to Audley Clevedon

Starting point  and OS Grid reference: Railway station at Burley in Wharfedale (SE 164458)		Ordnance Survey Map OS Explorer 297 - Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley Buy this map from List of OS Maps     Note: If you use OS Maps on-line, you can download this route via this link.
Distance: 3.4 miles	Date of Walk: 27 October 2024
Ascent: Descent: See Walking Time Calculator	433ft (132m) 431ft (131m)
Traffic light rating:    (For explanation see My Walks page)
For advice on .gpx files see My Walks page	Click the PDF logo above to give a printable version of this walk without the photos.

To view route as a dynamic Ordnance Survey map click here.

Introduction: This easy, circular walk from Burley in Wharfedale gives great views over the lower Wharfe Valley to Otley Chevin, Almscliff Crag and Beamsley Beacon. The edge of Rombalds Moor is also seen.

There is some overlap with the walk to Stead and Catton Wood, though in reverse order.

I was hoping for better autumn colours than I actually got but nevertheless, it was a lovely day and there was some colour.

The ‘destination point’ Audley Clevedon was not a destination as such but simply a fulcrum around which to pivot the walk. It is a ‘retirement village’ with extensive grounds. It is also a potential refreshment stop as the public can use the restaurant facilities and it has a marvellous terrace with amazing views across the Wharfe valley. Check their website for details.

A refreshment stop is also often available at Stead Hall farm where a snack van sells drinks, biscuits etc.

Overall, the walk is a really pleasant stroll, well used by local residents.

The walk starts from the railway station. I have noted “some parking” on the map because the station car park is often full, especially mid week. The only alternative is to find nearby street parking. Burley is situated just off the A65 between Otley and Ilkley.

Start: From the station SE 164458), walk along Station Approach to Station Road. Turn right then second left along Southfield Road. At a ‘T’ junction, turn right at which point the road is Hall Drive. Follow this round until you reach another ‘T’ junction with Sun Land and turn left. Immediately after Greenhow Park, turn left up a track.

Cross the railway and follow the obvious path up the hill (SE 156464).

As you get to the crest of the hill, the path divides. You can use either path but I opted for the left hand path via a gate with a bridle way marker for the “Welcome Way”.

At the next fence, cross a stile to the left of the stream, indicated with a yellow footpath marker (SE 151465) (If preferred you can use the farm gate to the right which is on the bridleway and if conditions are muddy, this might be a better bet. Both ways lead to the same place).

Follow the footpath into the field and continue to the right hand corner. Here, cross a stile and turn immediately right to join a broad track (the bridleway). Turn left along it, following an unusual public footpath sign. At this point, you might be able to increase your luck by buying a horseshoe!

Follow the track and as it curves right, keep straight ahead through a walkers’ gate.

As you get further along this field, you will see the Audley Clevedon complex. Go through a walkers’ get and follow the path as it curves slightly left and joins a main track. Turn left along it. There are good views here along the valley.

Follow the boundary of Audley Clevedon as it curves left. At a junction, go left along the ‘no through road’ signed for “Private Road to New Stead, Mount Stead and High Stead.

As the track bends right, look out for a public footpath fingerpost on the left and go through the kissing gate marked with a yellow arrow (SE 142465).

The path drops down to another kissing gate and a stone slab bridge. Shortly after this, the path divides. Keep left. There is a white post with a red top, marking a gas pipeline as an aiming point.

Cross a second stream and keep straight ahead, following the right hand boundary of the field as it curves right.

This leads you to a metal walkers’ gate then quickly a kissing gate. From there, follow the obvious path.

You will be following a dilapidated wall on the right. When it ends, bear right to a slit/squeeze stile, after which walk parallel with the left hand boundary. Good views here to Beamsley Beacon.

Go through a tall gate and at the end of the clearly defined path, through another gate join a broad track and turn right (SE 145462).

Walk through Stead Hall Farm (where you may be able to get refreshments) and follow the main track.

When it bends sharp right, turn off through a kissing gate and follow the path parallel with the left hand boundary (SE 147460).

Go through the gate at the bottom of the field and follow the obvious path.

Join a broad track (SE 154458) and turn right to pass some houses. In less than a hundred yards, turn left down An obvious footpath. At the bottom, turn right along a broad track to join Moor Lane. A left turn here will return you to the station.

If you need to buy any hiking equipment/clothing before your trip see the Hiking Store

All information on this site is given in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of any damage, loss or injury which might result from acting on it.