(courtesy of the Yorkshire Post Newspaper)
OS Map explorer sheet 297 (1:25000) Lower Wharfedale and Upper Washburn Valley
Distance Six and a half miles
Time Allowed Three hours
Toilets - Public toilets at Otley
Refreshments - Otley
Parking - limited spaces on both sides of the viaduct over Lindley Wood Reservoir B6451
This route makes a great circular walk by combining the most picturesque stretch of the valley - Norwood Bottom - with a lovely path along the brow of Wharfedale, offering fine long-distance views and returning through the delightful trees beside Lindley Wood Reservoir. Of particular interest is Dobpark Bridge, which is part of an old packhorse route dating back to medieval times.
The reservoir was opened in 1876 and is the first of 4 in the valley. While the other 3 serve the taps of Leeds, Lindley Wood's function is to maintain the flow of the River Washburn.
Watch out for cormorants and goosander on the water and buzzards, green and great spotted woodpeckers and nuthatches in the woods. Norwood Bottom is excellent for flocks of finches each autumn.
1. Starting from the south side of the viaduct of the Lindley Wood Reservoir go over the stile next to the gate and follow a well-made path beside the reservoir. Eventually the path fades and the route follows wheel tracks in the grass as we accompany the River Washburn. Go over the waterworks bridge, cross a wall stile and turn left to follow the obvious path all the way to the distinctive old hump-backed
Dobpark bridge, seen on the left.
2. Cross over and take the track leading up the hill directly ahead. Continue past Middle Farm, joining a metalled road and stay on it until just past Bridge Cross house. On the left find a wall stile into a field beside a green lane. Go over and walk towards an obvious gate at the end of a wall. From here there are wide views to Armscliff Crag and Otley Chevin. This leads into a fenced grass track which is followed straight ahead until just past a large barn. Look for a wall stile in the far righthand corner of the field.
3. Turn left and follow the road for a short distance until a stile is found on the left, signposted to Farnley. Aim for the top of a line of trees. Cross a small fence and go over a wall stile. The route is now very straight along field edges, with lovely views towards Wharfedale and eventually joins a farm track to emerge on the main road, 
besides All Saints Church, Farnley. This makes a great spot for a lunchtime break, as there is a bench (donated by the WI for the Millennium) in the pretty churchyard which offers lovely views over the countryside.
4. Turn right on the main road and follow it to the junction beside Farnley Primary School. Cross with care and walk down the minor road next to the school, a delightful back lane which normally has little traffic. At the bottom of the hill, cross Lindley Bridge and take the foot
path on the left signposted to Norwood Bottom.
5. Pass a cottage and outbuildings. The path leads through some charming deciduous woodland and then into an area of mature conifers. Now and then gaps in the trees offer some superb windows from which to view Lindley Wood Reservoir and its opposite shore. The path is now clear and leads out and onto the B6451.
Turn left and cross the viaduct to meet the starting point.
