Child jumping off a rock with blue sky behind

Austwick to Oxenber Woods

This super circular is brilliant when the bluebells are out, but even if you’ve missed the season, its excellent all year round!

A short woodland wander with the park at the end! What’s not to love eh?

Have you been to Austwick?

This stunningly picturesque village near to Settle in the Yorkshire Dales might well have you flocking to Right Move to check out those property prices, but if you haven’t yet won the lottery, then never fear. This walk will take you from the beautiful village, up to Oxenber Woods which sit on the hillside between Austwick and Feizor and then back to the village for the play park and pub!

This walk is perfect in bluebell season when the woodlands come alive with bluebells and anenomes, but we reckon it’s great all year round!

Child hopping across stones in a stream in Spring

Taking the hard route over the beck (there is a footbridge, never fear!)

Walk Details for Oxenber Woods

Distance: 4km (around 2.5 miles)

Terrain: Well signposted and trodden routes. Some could be muddy underfoot when walked after wet weather. A small amount of pavement walking through the village at the end.

Parking: Austwick has a large layby on the way into the village from the A65. It can get busy though, so be respectful as this is a small residential village. Don’t block gates or narrow access. Ensure roads are clear for emergency services at all times.

Public Transport: It is possible to get the bus to Austwick. Check out the bus timetable on the Dales Bus Website.

Dog friendly? Yes, dogs to be kept under close control and there are grazing sheep on this walk.

Location: Austwick, near Settle.

Toilets/ Baby Change: None in Austwick but there is a pub (toilets for customers only).

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: The Game Cock in, otherwise nearby in Settle or Clapham. There is also a cafe in Feizor.

Child climbing over a stile with a footpath sign and woods in the background

The first sign you’ll encounter along the way

How to walk to Oxenber Woods from Austwick

Directions to be used in conjunction with a map.

  1. Wherever you manage to get parked in Austwick, head to the stone bridge crossing Austwick Beck. From here, head to the walled track leading away from the village signposted Feizor. (On the map this is called Wood Lane).

  2. Continue along the track in a straight on direction, until you see a stone stile over the wall ahead. This is at the point where the track bears left and the footpath takes you in a straight on direction (essentially cutting off the corner of the stony track). It is also signposted Feizor. Continue over the stile into the field ahead and keep going straight on.

  3. At the far end of the field is a gated stile which takes you out of the field. It crosses the stone track and continues directly into the field opposite through another gated stile. The path steadily climbs through the next field, still continuing straight on, until you reach another gated stile into another field.

  4. Here you will see the woods on the hill to your left. Continue a short distance into the next field keeping your eyes peeled for a large wooden gate in the perimeter wall of Oxenber Wood, also on your left. You will be able to make out the large information board just beyond the gate too.

  5. Head through that gate. From here the path is waymarked as there are various trails through the woodland. The path continues upwards, diagonally right, and here, you’ll find loads of wildflower and bluebells if you come in early Spring. The path continues upwards, as it bends around to the left and it will emerge onto the plateau of the hill top.

  6. Continue along the path across the plateau until you see a fork. Here, take the left path which will then start to lead you downhill to the perimeter dry stone wall. Here, you’ll spot another information board turn left and go over another stone stepped stile (or though the gate if you’d prefer!

  7. Continue to follow the path as it continues to descend, heading through another five bar gate when it turns into a walled track. Shortly after, you’ll spot a cross roads and ahead, another stone stile into a field.

  8. Rather than stay on the track, continue over the wall into the next field (some more corner cutting!) Continue straight on to the far side of the field where there is a another stile. Cross this and turn right onto the walled track. You will see a beck and a footbridge, cross this and keep on ahead until you meet the road.

  9. Turn left and you will soon see the lane to the park on your left.

  10. When you have had a great little play, continue straight on back into the village. At the post office you need to head on the road going left to get back to the bridge.

Last walked April 2026.

Bluebells and primroses in grass

Bluebells and primroses!

Child walking on path up with flowers

The path through the woods with the wildflowers peeking out.

Child standing with a tree and dales views beyond

Standing at the top of the hill with the woodland beyond.

A sign for the Game Cock Pub

If you fancy it, the Game Cock pub is in the village on the way back. Inside, there is also a bakery, which I’m told is EXCELLENT!

The slide at Austwick play park with hills and sandpit and obstacle course behind

The slide at Austwick Park

What’s great for kids on this walk?

✨Oxenber Woods are a SSSI and are protected because of their limestone pavements, spectacular bluebells and its woodland (which is actually quite scarce in the Yorkshire Dales).

🍦The village store sells ice cream.

🛝 And the play park is at the end! Not going to lie, the views from here are pretty spectacular, so you can enjoy them whilst the kids play!

🌳 In need of some walking distractions? Then why not check out one of our printable scavenger hunt or another of our walking games?

Helpful Information!

For more helpful information head to our safety tips and advice page.

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

Child swinging on monkey bars in the play park
Ordnance Survey route map for Oxenber Wood

Want to grab the route?

Head to the Ordnance Survey Navigation App where you can download the route! Here’s our route taking in Oxenber Woods. This is a guide only, mainly because the app randomly decided to stop tracking on the descent, so I’ve attached a plotted map (above).

(Always carry a back up map and know how to use it)

Image is Copyright of Ordnance Survey

Tap here to head to the Ordnance Survey Route
Tap here to head to the Ordnance Survey Route

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