Sun Lane Nature Reserve, Burley in Wharfedale

Located at the edge of the village of Burley in Wharfedale, Sun Lane Nature Reserve may be small, but it’s a perfect little wander for the youngest of explorers.

Sun Lane Nature Reserve…

What can we say? This place is great for exploring (you don’t even have to call it a walk!) There are trees to climb, birds to watch, nature to collect, mud to squelch in and trains to wave at. When my two were little, we could spent hours here just walking around in circles!

So that’s why we have it right here for you!

We would suggest parking in the centre of the village where there is also a play park too.

The track to Sun Lane Nature reseri

Walk details for Sun Lane Nature Reserve

Distance: Less than 1m for a circuit of the whole nature reserve. The walk from the village centre is an additional 3/4 of a mile.

Terrain: Easy. Grassy, muddy paths.

Time: Less than 1 hour.

Parking: On street only. Recommended Grange Park. Please be courteous to residents, do not block access routes or gateways and adhere to any parking regulations.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Nearest Train Station/Bus: Burley in Wharfedale (1km walk from station to Reserve). The X84 bus stops in Burley in Wharfedale.

Location: Sun Lane, Burley in Wharfedale.

Map: OS Explorer 297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley (although tracks around the reserve are not shown on the map)

What 3 Words: bedroom.tint.realm (entrance to nature reserve)

Toilets/ Baby Change: No

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Burley in Wharfedale village centre (less than 1km)

The Bridge crossing the stream in the Sun Lane Nature Reserve

Directions to Sun Lane Nature Reserve

  1. Make your way to Sun Lane and the What 3 Words location. Essentially this is right at the end of Sun Lane, as the end of the lane turns to dirt track. Head along the dirt track, and after a short distance you will see the info board. This is the entrance to the reserve. Turn left through the fence and continue upwards.

  2. At the entrance to the reserve there are a number of bird tables, very popular with the feathered residents of Sun Lane! Take a sit on the bench and see what you can see. To your right is a woodland area, with log piles, perfect for hunting minibeasts and spotting fungus.

  3. Heading upwards towards the top of the nature reserve, you get a fabulous view of the train line in one direction and across the Wharfe Valley in the other. Dependant on your personal preference, one may be more spectacular than the other, but there are regular trains along the line, and the drivers are very friendly! Perfect for a little train lover!

  4. Continue in a westerly direction across the width of the reserve and towards the small wooded area, which stands next to the train line. Here, you will find a little stream, a bridge and a woodland area with trees that are perfect for climbing.

  5. There is one way in and out of this area, so once you have had a good old explore, head back out over the bridge on which you came in, and head left and downwards towards the gate which will take you out of the reserve and back onto Sun Lane.

  6. Turn right along the track and head back towards the start. You will find a number of information plaques along the track back to the entrance which will tell you all about the natural life you could spot along the way.

    Last Walked September 2022

Fungus Spotting at Sun Lane Nature Reserve

⭐ 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.

What’s cool for kids (and grown ups) on this walk?

🧒 There is a play park at Grange Park to play on at the end.

🍻 We love the Red Lion for a cheeky post walk pint!

☕ Coffee more your thing? There are several coffee shops in Burley that serve incredible cakes too! There’s Arlo’s, the Coffee Tree, The Wharfedale Deli and Cock Pit Farm Tea Rooms at the Grange near the park. Spoilt for choice!

🌳 There is plenty to explore and to collect on this walk! Headed here in the late Summer? Look out for blackberries! Or go nature collecting! Looking for something to do whilst you are exploring to beat the walking whinges? Why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

White Wells in Ilkley

Want to find more walks in the area?

Head to our Ilkley and surrounding areas page, where you’ll find walks in Ilkley, Ben Rhydding and Burley in Wharfedale!

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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