Sitting on the bench at the Ben Rhydding nature reserve

Ben Rhydding Nature Reserve

This is a great pushchair friendly mini wander for little legs. Just get exploring!

Because this one is less of a walk and more of a take your time to soak up the great outdoors!

Ben Rhydding Nature Reserve…

You probably wouldn’t even know it was there!

You’ll find it on the edge of the A65, but it’s a fabulous little wander for very young explorers and it is pushchair friendly (UPDATE March 2023: There has been some recent maintenance work done to the paths which has involved the placement of hardcore on the ground, it is currently quite loose still, so I would say sturdy pushchairs only as it might be tricky to navigate otherwise.)

Despite being next to a busy road, you can lose yourself in the view across the river, and forget the road was even there!

A word of advice for the pushchair drivers! It can get very muddy on the reserve, and whilst it is perfectly capable of being pushchaired, maybe don’t attempt it after a period of heavy rain!

Looking beneath one of the bug doors

Walk details for Ben Rhydding Nature Reserve

Distance: between 1-2 miles, dependant how much exploring you do.

Terrain: Muddy in wet weather. Pushchair-able. Flat. UPDATE MARCH 2023: There has been some recent maintenance work done to some of the paths, and hardcore has been placed. Currently it’s still being worn in, so sturdy pushchairs only.

Parking: In the layby outside the entrance to the reserve. Be courteous, do not block any access routes or gates and adhere to any parking restrictions. UPDATE: Moss and Moor garden centre have agreed that if the layby is full, you may use their car park that’s just down the road!

Dog Friendly: yes

Public Transport: Ben Rhydding train station is less than 1 mile walk, there are no nearby bus stops.

Location: Ben Rhydding, next to the A65

Map: OS Explorer 297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley

What 3 Words: Nature reserve and entrance wealth.clean.soups

Toilets/ Baby Change: No

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Ben Rhydding for cafes and pubs.

Sitting on a bench in Ben Rhydding Nature reserve

Directions to Ben Rhydding Nature Reserve

  1. The route into the reserve is clearly signposted on the gate next to the layby.

  2. This one is a choose your own route walk (which makes my life easy!) There are clear identifiable tracks in a circular route around the reserve.

  3. Roughly, turn right after entering, following the nature reserve sign. Then head left towards the river. The path is circular around the central pond.

Last walked March 2023.

⭐ 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.

Lookin at a fairy door on the Ben Rhydding Nature Reserve

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

💙 You MIGHT spot an otter! They have been seen along the river bank. Keep your eyes peeled for the Otter brass rubbing post to find out where.

✏ Take a crayon and some paper to do all of the brass rubbings available on the reserve! They tell you what you might be able to see whilst you’re there.

✨ There are some fairy doors dotted around.

🐞 There are bug doors to lift and peep under to go on a minibeast hunt!

🦆 There could be ducks to feed! Remember your duck food!

💜 In late Summer/ Early Autumn there will be blackberries to pick here!

🌳 Why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

White Wells Spa in Ilkley

Want to find more Ilkley 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 Ilkley walks in one place?

Then why not head to our Ilkley Walks section!

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