Swinging on the swing on Otley Chevin

Otley Chevin Swings

The Otley swings have been on the Surprise View end of the Chevin for YEARS and keep being reincarnated in varying different versions.

My two love a trip here!

Where are the Otley Chevin Swings?

Well I can answer that question for you right here!

We love a trip to the rope swings on the trees of the Otley Chevin. The kids think it’s far better than the playground! They have been there for years in many different variations and once they are worn out they are taken down.

Beginning at the Yorkgate Quarry Car Park, this is a short but sweet fabulous woodland walk, which crams in loads for around a 1 mile! So we think it’s a great one for Little Adventurers!

We are not aware of who installs the swings on the Chevin and we cannot guarantee their safety. Always inspect before you attempt to ride on one, as they are very much handmade. If in doubt steer clear.

Swinging on the tree swings of the Chevin
Climbing on the tree trunks in the woods
An aeroplane heading over the Chevin

Walk details for the Otley Chevin Swings

Distance: Around 1 mile

Terrain: Woodland tracks, rough and uneven in places, and can be muddy after periods of heavy rain. Some ascent but nothing substantial.

Parking: Yorkgate Quarry Car Park.

Public Transport: The closest bus stop is in Otley.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Location: York Gate Otley.

Map: OS Explorer 297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley.

What 3 Words: initial.recapture.campsites

Toilets/ Baby Change: No.

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: The Royalty Pub which is just down the road or the Cheerful Chilli Cafe, York Gate Farm.

Balancing on a log in the Chevin

Directions to Otley Chevin Swings

  1. Beginning at Yorkgate Car Park, head over the stile out of the parking area towards the massive rocks of the old quarry. You will see some of the geology trail markers in this spot. You need to head up right and then around the top of the old quarry. The path bends round to meet the main path leading up to Surprise View.

  2. If you want to, turn right and check out Surprise View, this detour is less than half a mile there and back, and if you visit on a clear day, you can see as far as York Minster! Now that IS a surprise! In warmer months you’ll also often find an ice cream van here too. If you detour, make sure you head back to the point where you joined the path from the quarry.

  3. This time you need to head into the woodland, away from Surprise View along the top path. Shortly after entering the woodland, the path leaves the dry stone wall on the right and drops down into the thick of the trees. This is where you will find the swings. There are loads, so take your time to explore the area. You’ll often find stick dens around too.

  4. Then head back to the dry stone wall where you came from and head left back where you came from. Shortly after getting back here, there is a path that turns right off the main path again. The dry stone wall forms the corner of a field here (the view is pictured) and the path follows it for a short distance, before you see a pond on your left. Head down here, and then follow the path as it heads back to the car park!

Last walked January 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.

Looking out at the view across the Chevin

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

🧒 Well, I’ll be honest, this walk is ALL about the swings! So you won’t struggle to get the kids to walk for those!

🌳 But if you do….. then why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

🍦 There may be an ice cream van at Surprise View Car park

🍻 The Royalty has a large beer garden which has a spectacular view…

✈ …Where you can watch the planes take off and land at Leeds Bradford Airport!

Middleton Woods in Ilkley

Want to find more woodland 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 of our woodland walks in one place?

Then why not head to our Woodland Walks section!

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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