Wharfe Wood Trail

This is a point-to-point woodland route of about 1.0 mile (1.6 km) total, measured along the mapped line rather than as a loop. It begins at the western Wharfe Wood entrance, runs through the wood toward the eastern mapboard, returns over a shared junction, then continues along a second named woodland section to the southern end of the route. Allow roughly 30 minutes for the named route alone, plus extra time if you walk in from Austwick or Feizor.

Easy in distance and gradient, with only modest elevation variation across the wood. The surface is the real consideration: laid-out access paths cross limestone and grass, and the ground is uneven in places, with pock-marked hollows left from the wood's past as the Austwick village quarry. Sturdy shoes help, and it is worth staying on the paths where limestone pavement, cave openings and sinkholes are present.

The woodland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, mixing tree canopy with open limestone grassland. In spring, bluebells and other woodland flowers carry the interest, while the open edges give views out toward the surrounding Dales and Moughton Scar.

Good subjects include:

• Canopy and dappled light over limestone remnants
• Spring flower carpets on the woodland floor
• Open-edge frames looking out to the scar and fells

The wood sits under an Open Access agreement, with access paths laid out through it and mapboards at each entrance, which are the best orientation point before you set off. No dedicated trail car park is associated with this specific route, so plan your approach on foot from Austwick or Feizor and park considerately in the villages.

Dogs are welcome under the usual Dales countryside rules. Use leads on public rights of way and anywhere near livestock, keep dogs on short leads from March to July for ground-nesting birds, and keep them under close control around limestone pavement, caves and sinkholes.