Walks from Burley-in-Wharfedale

Scroll down to see the walks.

In 2014 and 2015, I was asked to compile some walks to support the initiative by Burley-in-Wharfedale Walkers are Welcome, Burley was granted Walkers Are Welcome status and added to the UK network on  24 March 2014.

The walks I prepared are indicated by the (2014) and (2015) signs in the table below. All start from The Roundhouse in Grange  Park, visible from Main Street.

It seemed logical to bring all my walks starting in Burley to the one place, so I have created this “Walks from Burley-in-Wharfedale” page.

There are many fine walks possible from Burley and indeed, one could spend a pleasant day using the village as a base, enjoying lunch in one of the pubs/cafes etc and completing one walk before lunch and another after.

If you plan any walks which involve crossing the river Wharfe via the stepping stones, please see this information on river levels.

Burley-in-Wharfedale (or at one time Burhleg) has existed in some form since 972, when it was mentioned in the Saxon Chronicles. Originally, it was a farming community and to some extent still is but it owes its more substantial growth to the Industrial Revolution, when the availability of water power from the River Wharfe and moorland streams encouraged the setting up of various mills.

The largest was Greenholme Mills, which were taken over by William Fison and William Edward Forster in 1850. Around 700 people were employed there and the village population grew to about 3,000. The mills have now ceased but various elements of industrial archaeology remain, not least a large part of the mill itself and the weir and goit, now providing hydroelectricity.

Early in the 20th century, Scalebor Park Hospital was established on Moor Lane which provided psychiatric care for up to 200 patients, not to mention much local employment. This has now become a housing development but the original stone buildings have been retained.

As industry has declined, Burley has developed into more of a commuter village, primarily serving Leeds but still retaining a village atmosphere, although this may be affected by imposition of a huge, unwanted housing estate by Bradford MDC which started in 2023.

Burley has a number of listed buildings.

Burley-in-Wharfedale is readily accessible by bus and train. See public transport details.

Scroll down to see walks from Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Before attempting walks which involve crossing the river, please see Stepping Stones information

Burley-in-Wharfedale Walks, With "Traffic Light" Rating (For an explanation of the "traffic light "rating see My Walks page.) Each symbol = 2½ miles
The start point for all walks can be located on Google Maps. Click here.
Burley-in-Wharfedale to Askwith
Burley-in-Wharfedale to Ben Rhydding via Askwith and Denton
Burley-in-Wharfedale to Bleach Mill and Hag Farm
Burley-in-Wharfedale to Burley Woodhead and York View
Burley in Wharfedale Circular
Burley-in-Wharfedale to Cow and Calf Rocks
Burley in Wharfedale Goit and Weir
Burley-in-Wharfedale to Hawksworth Moor and Menston
Burley-in-Wharfedale to Ilkley and the Swastika Stone (Linear walk)
Burley-in-Wharfedale to Ilkley Moor Summit
Burley-in-Wharfedale to Otley Chevin and Surprise View
Burley-in-Wharfedale to Stead and Catton Wood
Burley-in-Wharfedale to River Wharfe and Eastfield Lane
Map used on these walks:

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.