Fungus hunting at Otley Gallows Hill Nature Reserve

Gallows Hill Nature Reserve, Otley

This super little gem of a nature reserve is a great pushchair friendly walk through a nature reserve.

It also features the park, ducks to feed and more so make sure you read on!

Where is Otley Gallows Hill Nature Reserve?

Tucked away next to the River Wharfe, on the way out of Otley, you’ll find this gem of a pushchair friendly walk which has loads to entertain your budding explorers!

For a very young walker try parking at the small nature reserve car park, or to make it longer you can park at Wharfeside Park in Otley and walk from there. If you do that, you’ll be able to squeeze in a play at the park or the skate park, you’ll find ducks to feed, ice cream and in the summer you can even hire a boat!.

Read on for more about this walk which packs in plenty for a little legs wander.

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Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my website and for reading this now!

I set up the Reluctant Explorers and maintain the website and attached social media accounts in my spare time, around mum-life and two jobs. It was designed to provide access for parents to free resources to help get more families outside and exploring in nature. These walks have all been created by myself and the kids and we have walked each one ourselves (and re-walk them regularly to keep the information as up to date as we can).

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One of the information boards at the Otley Nature Reserve

Walk details for Otley Gallows Hill

Distance: Nature Reserve alone is less than 1 mile. The nature reserve, park and ducks is approximately 2 miles

Terrain: Easy well maintained pushchair friendly paths. Some may get muddy underfoot, so wellies are recommended!

Parking: Either Gallows Hill Nature Reserve car park on Mill Way, or Otley Wharfe Meadows Park on Farnley Lane.

Public Transport: Otley has a regular bus service. The nearest stop is on Farnely lane near Prince Henry’s Grammar School.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Location: Otley

Map: OS Explorer 297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley.

What 3 Words: Wharfe Meadows Park parking: guitar.readers.plotter Nature Reserve Parking: enjoys.tenses.teachers

Toilets/ Baby Change: At Wharfe Meadows Park

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: At Wharfe Meadows Park, Otley Town Centre is a 10 minute walk.

Walking next to the pond at Otley nature reserve

The path around the nature reserve is wide and well surfaced but as you can see, wellies are best!

Directions to Gallows Hill Nature Reserve

  1. The directions are simple, as the route is circular around the nature reserve, and it is dependant on which car park you use. The path follows the edge of the river and encircles two ponds. On the route around there are plenty of stick dens to spot, go hide in…. definitely NOT knock over……

  2. Should you wish to combine this with a trip to the park, then parking is available on Farnley Lane. You need to head in the opposite direction from the park towards the skate park and then later the rugby pitches and exercise equipment. Directly ahead is the bridge. You need to cross that, and then take an immediate left on the path than goes underneath the large pipe.

  3. Follow the path along the edge of the river, to the nature reserve. Loop round, then head back along the way you came back to Wharfe Meadows Park.

  4. You can access the riverside from Wharfe Meadows Park, where you’ll find ducks and also during the Spring/ Summer season, the boats!

Last walked July 2022

⭐ 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.

Standing and looking at the River Wharfe

The path next to the River Wharfe in early Spring

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

🧒 The walk can take you past the park at Otley Riverside, which is a great stop off! With a large play area divided into two, there is plenty to entertain bigger kids and younger ones too..

🛴 Grab your scooter, if this walk is puschair friendly, it’s also scooter friendly!

☕ There is a cafe next to Riverside Park that sells coffee, ice cream and light bites! I would describe it as being pretty basic, but if you in a food related emergency it’s pretty handy. Otley town centre is only a short walk away though.

🦆 Ducks to feed back at Riverside Park on the river. Remember your duck food!

🌳 Still need something to beat the walking whinges? Then why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

West Burton falls waterfall in winter

Want to find more pushchair friendly walks?

All of our family friendly walks are arranged in loads of different categories including, waterfall walks, short walks and walks with play parks. So you can find exactly the kind of walk you are looking for!

But if you want to find all the kid friendly pushchair walks in one place?

Then why not head to our pushchair friendly Walks section (you might be surprised by what you find!!)

Tap here to head to our pushchair friendly walks
Tap here to head to our pushchair friendly walks

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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