Image shared for Wetherby to Spofforth: Harland Way railway path return
Countryside Out & back

Wetherby to Spofforth: Harland Way railway path return

West Yorkshire

Distance
5.5 mi
Est. time
2h 30m
Difficulty
Easy
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start in Station Gardens public car park off Linton Road, Wetherby. Follow the car park aisle northeast onto the Harland Way, then stay on the former railway through the western side of town. At the old railway triangle, follow the Spofforth branch northwest rather than the route east towards Thorp Arch. The path continues between farmland and belts of trees to the entrance on East Park Road in Spofforth. Turn here and return along the same railway path to Station Gardens.

Allow about two and a half hours for the roughly nine-kilometre return. The old railway gives gentle gradients, with tarmac near Wetherby and compacted stone farther out. Wet weather can leave muddy patches and puddles. This is a shared walking and cycling route, so leave room for passing bikes and keep dogs close at junctions. Use the railway underpasses rather than taking shortcuts onto the main roads. The turnaround is at the path entrance, before entering the residential road.

Wetherby has shops and cafes for refreshments before or after the walk; take water for the rural section. Leeds City Council currently lists the first three hours at Station Gardens as free Monday to Saturday, with a charge for longer stays, and free Sunday parking. Check the car park signs on arrival. Route and access information: Leeds City Council recreational routes, Spofforth Parish Council local walks and the Open North Yorkshire active-travel map.

Walk details

Walk type
Out & back
Category
Countryside
Distance
5.5 mi (8.9 km)
Est. time
2h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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