Chevin Forest Park Local Nature Reserve
The Chevin Forest Park is a wooded escarpment overlooking the town of Otley with magnificent views of the Wharfe Valley. Massive rock outcrops dominate the park which rises steeply to a height of 280m above sea level at its highest point. The whole park was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 1989 in recognition of its fantastic wealth of wildlife.
The park is well served by footpaths and bridleways, some of which form parts of the Dales Way Link and the Ebor Way. All the routes are steep in places and can be muddy in wet conditions. The routes are best described as challenging and people with mobility disabilities may find them difficult to use. However assistance is available at the White House and access to mobility scooters can be arranged in advance by telephoning 01943 465023.
The Chevin is an exposed hill top and can be very cold, so remember to wear warm clothing and suitable footwear.
There are three areas of the Chevin that have been classified as Open Access Land. In these areas you are free to explore without sticking to a particular path. See the Internet Link to find out where these areas are.
Chevin Wildlife WATCH Group
If you have children (or are a child!) and would love to learn about wildlife with other like-minded children and families then why not come along to this fun environmental group.
The Chevin Wildlife WATCH Group meets twice a month and has a varied programme designed to interest, stimulate and educate children and their families. You must be 8 years old to stay unaccompanied (and have had your parents fill in a consent form – see attached documents) or you can stay with your parents or a guardian if you are under 8.
Chevin Wildlife WATCH is part of the national chain of WATCH Groups and is the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts. Together they make the UK’s leading environmental action club for kids, and the Chevin’s group has been successfully running over 20 years with the help of Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and volunteer leaders.
Sessions run throughout the year, with a reduced timetable in the summer holidays and around Christmas.
All meetings start at 10.00am and finish at 12 noon unless otherwise stated. All meetings start and finish at The White House unless otherwise stated.
The cost of meetings is £1.00 per child except in the event of off-site trips when a larger contribution may be required.
Please make sure clothing is suitable for each activity, for example, warm, waterproof clothing and strong shoes or boots for meetings in bad weather, suncream and sun hats for meetings in good weather, wellingtons for activities involving water etc.
You can download a copy of the current timetable, or contact the group through the Parks & Countryside Ranger Service on 0113 237 5268.
Friends of Chevin Forest Park
Do you enjoy spending time in Chevin Forest Park and have a few hours to spare each month? If so why not come along and get involved in a new group called the Friends of Chevin Forest Park. Whether you enjoy practical conservation tasks, such as repairing picnic benches, removing rhododendron or improving ponds and meadows, or want to get involved in researching the history of the site and developing new projects such as a Sculpture Trail, there is bound to be something for you.
The first meeting of this new group has already led to the launching of a Friends of Chevin Forest Park website (see Links), and all that is needed now are some more new faces with enthusiasm and ideas. For more information and to find out about upcoming meetings contact the Parks and Countryside Ranger Service on 0113 237 5268.
Surprise View
Surprise View is recognised as one of the finest panoramic views in Yorkshire, with views of up to 60km.
Grid Ref. SE 203442
- Parking: Becon House Car Park or East Chevin Road car parks (3 in total) if you want to try the walks highlighted below
- Toilets: Public House on York Gate Road
- Refreshments: Public House
- Special features: View
Surprise View can be reached from a number of routes. The easiest way is to park at the Beacon House Car Park off York Gate Road, nearly opposite the public house and take the very short walk to the edge of the escarpment. Don't pick a foggy day though! Access by wheelchair is possible to Surprise View from this car park.
The following alternative routes are approximately 1km long and are very steep in places and will not be suitable for some people. The return journey to the start point may be the same route or a combination of the routes described, or you could arrange for someone to pick you up at the Beacon House Car Park.
Park opposite the Ramblers Tea Rooms on East Chevin Road and walk down the road and take the footpath next to Danefield House. Care must be taken on East Chevin Road as it is very busy and has no pavement. The footpath from Danefield House follows a rough track to a padlocked field gate near the top of the hill. A narrow gap (approx. 45cm) to the side of the gate restricts access. Beyond the gate, follow the drystone wall to Surprise View.
Alternatively, park at the East Chevin Quarry Car Park and take the footpath past the information board. The first part is very steep, but the view is well worth the effort. Picnic tables at the top of the slope provide a well earned rest with great views. From here the path continues along a gentle slope, sheltered by massive rock outcrops to one side and pleasing countryside views on the other.
Beyond the spring line the route meets another path in the wood. The junction is guarded by a sculpture figure. (A right turn here takes you down to the White House). Continue to the summit by turning left at the figure, up the hill, crossing another path before bearing right onto a flagstone path near the summit and following the path towards Surprise View.
Chevin News
There is a twice-yearly newsletter produced to keep you up-to-date with everything that is happening on Chevin Forest Park. You can download the newsletter from the link on the right-hand side of this page.
Management Plan
There is a 10 year Management Plan that is used to guide the management of the park and it can be downloaded from this web page. Volume 1 explains the features of interest that are present and may be of interest to anyone wanting to find out more about the park. Volume 2 and the maps are intended to be used by our own staff to carry out any necessary management so are not available to be downloaded, but can be viewed at Otley Library or by contacting the Chevin Estate Officer on 01943 465023.
Orienteering Course
There are two orienteering courses available (a starter course and a larger course) that have been mapped by The Airienteers and both can be downloaded from this web page together with a guide explaining how to use them.
Please note that the Parks and Countryside's Head Office main reception telephone number 0113 3957400 is staffed from 8.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am - 4.00pm on a Friday. Outside of these hours you can leave a message on the answerphone.