Burley in Wharfedale Stepping Stones
This classic Burley walk can be done either as a circular, or as a linear walk.
It is a great place for a bike ride, and there is a pushchair friendly option too.
Are the Burley stepping stones passable…?
A classic commonly asked question in Burley in Wharfedale, as these stepping stones are often under water! However, the good news is, that it will not matter at all, as this walk doesn’t cross them (although if you can, of COURSE you must try!)
This is a classic Burley wander, as the edge of the water around the stepping stones is great to play in and throw stones too. You will also find places to collect conkers, places to find geocaches and it starts and ends at the park!
Walk details for Burley in Wharfedale Stepping Stones
Distance: 2 miles
Terrain: Half concrete track, half muddy path. Flat, no ascent. Some parts of this walk are on quiet residential roadways.
Parking: On street in Burley in Wharfedale near Grange Park. Please be courteous to its residents, comply with any parking regulations and do not block access routes or gateways.
Public Transport Links: Burley in Wharfedale. Less than 1km walk to the beginning of this route. The X84 also stops are Burley in Wharfedale. #
Dog Friendly: Yes
Location: Burley in Wharfedale. Suggested start point, Grange Park, Grange Road.
Map: OS Explorer 297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley
What 3 Words: splendid.commented.heartache
Toilets/ Baby Change: No
Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Burley in Wharfedale village centre.
Directions to Burley Stepping Stones
Beginning from Grange Park Roundhouse facing the Red Lion Pub, turn right down Main Street (you will pass Burley Fisheries and The Queens Head pub on your right). Walk as far as the pedestrian crossing and cross the road. Turn right and and take an immediate left onto Iron Row.
Continue to walk down Iron Row, passing under the underpass, until you rise to Great Pasture Lane. Facing you at this point are the remains of Greenholme Mills, currently being converted into flats. Iron Row was the route taken by the Mill workers in the village to work at the Mills in the late 18th/ Early 19th Century.
Turn left down Great Pasture Road and walk as far as the houses keeping the mill to your right (be wary of residents’ vehicles at this point). After approximately 200m, at the point where Great Pasture Road makes a sharp left there is a narrow path ahead and on your right, leading into the trees. Take that path.
In the trees, the track heads at a slight diagonal down to the right, and meets a wide easily identifiable track at the bottom. (There are geocaches to find here and conkers in early Autumn)
Follow the track, keeping the fields on your left and The Goit (mill ponds) on your right. After about 400m, the track begins to bend to the left and will lead you to the weir. A prominent wide track appears to your right, take this and head down to the river. You will be able to see the river ahead. This is the access point down to the stepping stones and to the stony shores of the Wharfe. ❗ The far banks of the River Wharfe are PRIVATE PROPERTY. Please be respectful to the landowners and stick to all permissive routes. As of July 2021 due to repeated instances of antisocial behaviour, the landowners have fenced off the far banks of the Wharfe. Only the permissive route is accessible and should be used.
After a good old fashioned stone throwing session, double back on yourself and turn right at the end of the short track you used to access the stepping stones. Here you need to turn right. Follow the wide track, which turns into an access road (Leather Bank) for the residents’ properties. Follow this for around 500m until you see the underpass which will lead you back to the village.
Take this underpass and walk until you reach Main Street, Burley in Wharfedale again. Turn left and walk back along the pavement into the centre of the village again, where you will see the Roundhouse, where you began.
Last walked January 2023
What’s Cool for kids on this walk?
👶/🎒 PUSHCHAIR VS. CARRIER: I have done this entire route with a small pushchair, but it is tricky and muddy and I would recommend that if you have a buggy/ pushchair, you reverse the route, and walk to the stepping stones and back along Leather Bank. If you do this, the track down to the river is bumpy, so unless you have another grown-up with you to give you a hand, you will have to leave the buggy a short distance up the track from the riverbank.
✨ GEOCACHES: There are a number of geocaches hidden along the route along The Goit from Great Pasture Road. If you have no idea what I’m talking about look them up. We call them ‘Treasure’ and they are a lot of fun to hunt down, download the app to find out more.
🌳 WALKING DISTRACTIONS: Here are some of our walking distractions, perfect to pair up with this walk!
👩🍳 Once you are settled on the riverbank, why not have a game of riverside kitchen? Check out all of our walking games.
🎨 There are thousands of rocks to be found on the banks of the river, why not paint them or turn them into pebble tic tac toe? Find out more activities for nature collectors here!.
🏬 NEAREST PUB/CAFE/SHOPS: Burley in Wharfedale boasts pubs, a deli, cafes and a fish and chip shop, most of which are located near the start of this walk.
🧸 PARK: Burley in Wharfedale park is located in Grange Park, which is the suggested starting point for this walk (and is a great little incentive to get back for a play!).
Helpful Information!
⭐ 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.
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