I’ve mentioned before about just how easy it is to get straight out of Leeds and into the countryside. Recently, fancying getting out of the city on a slow Sunday afternoon, I decided to head out towards Almscliffe Crag – an imposing rocky formation about twenty minutes north of Headingley in Leeds.
Somehow, however, Google Maps didn’t quite grasp where I was trying to get to and directed the car to a random roadside (let’s face it, as it often does when you’re heading to a rural landmark). After stopping and asking for directions at a local stables, I was directed through the town of Otley and up a winding road to the start of a footpath.
Taking the footpath upwards, I was greeted with some stunning vistas of Otley and the surrounding West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire countryside. But then, looking over in the distance back towards Leeds, what did I spot? Ah, Almscliff Crag! By a process of deduction, later confirmed by signage, it dawned on me that I was actually walking in The Chevin.
There was no need to be disappointed though; the Chevin is an equally idyllic walking spot with its rocky faces, open heathland and old wooded areas. You can also spot carved wooden figures along the way and if it’s a nice day you might find an ice cream van at the top.
The nearby town of Otley makes for a convenient lunch stop-off before or after walking. It also has a market and some great furniture shops where I’ve picked up a couple of very reasonably priced vintage pieces before. The proximity to Otley means The Chevin can also be reached by public transport. From the lower car park, it’s a fairly easy-going trip up and down, but for a longer walking route try this one from Yorkshire Walks.
Find more destinations in Yorkshire here. Where have you been out and about to lately?
