Wetherby - Thorp Arch Circular - 6.25 miles

Second run-out for this walk. A flat walk through the countryside to the east of Wetherby. Our route is predominantly along surfaced paths including the old railway trackbed and field paths/country tracks.

We take in the river Wharfe & weir before a little jaunt through the market area of Wetherby then head off along the old railway trackbed initially beside the racecourse. As we venture further away from Wetherby into the open countryside, we continue to follow the old trackbed & cycle path to eventually arrive at the pretty stone-built properties of Thorp Arch village before a return route along grassy tracks & paths. We walk alongside the river Wharfe back to the car park. No stiles!

The walk will be led at a steady pace: not too fast, not too slow. Please be ready to start walking at the advertised time.

Walk fee: £3. No dogs please. Bring snacks/drink with you but I don’t propose having a break on this walk unless I get outvoted! We’ll be finished by lunch-time.

After-walk refreshment: I have a couple of places in mind. Pub-wise, there’s the Black Bull which has a decent pub menu and also a beer garden. As far as cafe’s are concerned, the best bets are probably Pomfrets in The Shambles & The Cottage cafe at the entrance to the car park which has outside seating too.

Meeting point: Riverside car park. No toilets. This car park was still free at the time the walk was uploaded onto the website.

Postcode: the postcode for the Riverside/Wilderness car park has proved to be problematic in the past with different searches revealing different postcodes so I would advise the best one to use is that for The Cottage café which is close to the car park entrance and is LS22 6LT. It’s a massive car park right on the riverside close to the road bridge and the entrance is via a very short, narrow road off a mini-roundabout.

I have no formal walk leader or first-aid qualifications and the Group does not have insurance. When you RSVP for any walk, you accept that you remain responsible for your own safety at all times. You are required to respect the walk leader and be mindful of the safety of others. Please keep to the pace of the group and don’t go off ahead even if you think you know the route.