top of page

Group to support Wharfedale Greenway plan


Part of the current route between Otley and Burley-in-Wharfedale along the route of the Otley and Ilkley railway line. Photo credit - Antony Butcher.

A new group has been formed to support the planned Wharfedale Greenway, a planned route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders that will link towns along the River Wharfe in West Yorkshire.


The Friends of Wharfedale Greenway aims to raise awareness of the Greenway whilst working with communities along the route to get the most out of this new asset.

A Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FriendsofWharfedaleGreenway) set up at the start of the month has already had over 300 likes. The page is being regularly updated with information about the proposed route alongside interesting trivia and history.


Anyone who’d like to know more about the group or get involved with their planning is invited to attend an open meeting on Zoom on Wednesday the 21st April at 7.30pm. If you can’t make the meeting but would be interested in getting involved please email friendsofwharfedalegreenway@gmail.com


One of the organisers, Antony Butcher, said “It’s been amazing to see how much interest and support there is for this project all the way along the route. The Greenway could be such a valuable resource for us all - from attracting new tourists to our lovely towns and villages to helping people get around safely whilst leaving the car at home. I’m looking forward to working with other supporters and local Councils to help make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”

The proposed Wharfedale Greenway has been under discussion for many years, but a number of milestones have taken place recently. Planning permission for the first section out of Otley was granted in July last year, and the route features in Bradford Council’s recently published Local Development Plan.

The proposed route has been split into different phases, initially focusing on the section from Pool-in-Wharfedale to Addingham (although it is hoped the route will eventually run all the way to Wetherby and Bolton Abbey). Town and Parish Councils along the route have been working with Sustrans, who run the National Cycle Network, on the route through their area.

bottom of page