Chevin Forest Park - Image 1
1 / 10

Chevin Forest Park

4.7
·304 reviews·, United Kingdom

A vast nature reserve with stunning panoramic views over Wharfedale, offering diverse woodland trails and rocky outcrops for exploration.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Spectacular golden hour views

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Chevin Forest Park - Image 1

Chevin Forest Park

Best Time

Sunset

Spectacular golden hour views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast nature reserve with stunning panoramic views over Wharfedale, offering diverse woodland trails and rocky outcrops for exploration.

4.7
(304 reviews)

"A place of natural and outstanding beauty with glorious views overlooking Otley and Wharfedale."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Sturdy Boots

Ground can be rough and muddy, especially after rain. Essential for comfortable exploration.

📱 Parking App Ready

Parking machines can be unreliable; have the payment app downloaded beforehand.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Views

Panoramic Views

North-facing escarpment

Breathtaking vistas overlooking Otley and Wharfedale. Perfect for sunset watching and photography.

Woodland Trails

Woodland Trails

Throughout the park

Explore diverse paths through woodland, heathland, and past rocky outcrops. Ideal for leisurely strolls or challenging hikes.

Stone Maze

Stone Maze

Specific section of the park

An intriguing area with large rocks and trackside walls hinting at the site's quarrying past.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Footwear is Key

Many visitors recommend wearing sturdy walking boots, especially after rain, as the terrain can be rough and muddy. This ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable exploration of the woodland paths and rocky outcrops.

Parking and Connectivity

Parking is available but can be tricky. Some machines may not work, forcing app downloads, which can be an issue for those with limited phone signal or older visitors. Plan ahead for payment.

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Spectacular golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn mornings
Why
Vibrant foliage and crisp air
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere for walks
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sunset views over Otley Chevin are a must-see 🌅 #otley #leeds #westyorkshire #yorkshire #datenightideas #italianfood #dayout #walk #yorkshire #hike
@footstepsandflavours
7.2K likes • 150.1K views

🥾 Wear Sturdy Boots

Ground can be rough and muddy, especially after rain. Essential for comfortable exploration. Reddit

📱 Parking App Ready

Parking machines can be unreliable; have the payment app downloaded beforehand. Reddit

Lovely walk up Otley Chevin Forest park on this beautiful and windy Sunday :) Have you been? #yorkshire #westyorkshire #otleychevin #otley #leeds #york #forest #woodlandwalk #northyorkshire ##uk #england #love #westyorkshire #photography #doglovers #yorkshiredales #nature #sheffield #pets #visityorkshire
uncharted_territories.pod
15 likes • 895 views
Beautiful Otley chevin forest park 🌳🌝 . . . . . . . Please do no repost without permission. A friendly reminder. Free to share on your story, tag me. . #otley #insta #reels #vibe #tourism #leeds #forest #explore #nature #fog #sunshine #green
teeab.w
77 likes • 147 views

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots, especially at sunset. TikTokInstagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks

A great spot for dog walkers, with plenty of space to roam. Instagram

The sunset we went to see ✨ 📍 Otley Chevin Forest Park Follow for more UK content 🫶🏻 #sunsetlovers #activetravel #hiking #ukactivetravel
iam.nz
53 likes • 803 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Sturdy Boots

Ground can be rough and muddy, especially after rain. Essential for comfortable exploration. Reddit

📱 Parking App Ready

Parking machines can be unreliable; have the payment app downloaded beforehand. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots, especially at sunset. TikTokInstagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks

A great spot for dog walkers, with plenty of space to roam. Instagram

🗺️ Explore Multiple Sections

The park is extensive; different sections have separate car parks and unique features. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(304 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Chevin Forest Park's natural beauty, offering stunning panoramic views and diverse woodland walks ideal for all ages and dog owners. While the scenery is consistently praised, some find parking payment systems and limited phone signal to be inconvenient.

"A place of natural and outstanding beauty. Lots of different woodland walks to explore, with beautiful scenery and glorious views overlooking Otley and Wharfedale. Ideal for dog walkers or just a leisurely stroll in the great Yorkshire outdoors. Also the market town of Otley is well worth visiting which is just a short walk or drive away from the Otley Chevin Park."

Daryl Watkins

"It's a beautiful forest to walk with an outstanding view of the Wharfe valley. It has a number of footpaths and bridlepaths, rock outcrops and ponds all of which provide opportunities for activities for all ages. Unfortunately the lack of phone signal in the area makes it difficult to pay the parking ticket."

Vanina Gutierrez

"Beautiful area to watch the sunset. This park has rocks to sit on and watch the views . Also has tracks to go on long walks . Aswell as a car park . Extremely beautiful for long catch ups or date nights ."

Taiba Azhar

What People Like

Outstanding natural beauty
Glorious views
Woodland walks

What People Dislike

Parking payment issues
Lack of phone signal

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Chevin Forest Park is located south of Otley, easily accessible by car from Leeds. Follow signs for Otley and then for the park. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. Instagram

While buses serve Otley town, direct public transport to the park itself is scarce. It's best to check local bus routes for Otley and be prepared for a walk or taxi from the town center. Instagram

The park has numerous footpaths and bridleways. While many are well-trodden, having a map or using a GPS app can be helpful for exploring further afield. Reddit

Yes, Chevin Forest Park features bridleways suitable for cycling, offering a great way to cover more ground and enjoy the scenery. Instagram

Some areas around the main viewpoints and car parks are more accessible, but many of the natural trails can be uneven and steep, making them challenging for wheelchairs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, parking is paid. However, be aware that parking machines can be unreliable, and you may need to use a specific app to pay. Reddit

Chevin Forest Park is generally open to the public at all times, as it's a natural reserve. However, car park access might be restricted during certain hours. Instagram

No, there is no entrance fee to access Chevin Forest Park itself. The charges are typically for parking. Instagram

Toilet facilities can be limited and may be closed for maintenance. It's advisable to use facilities in Otley before visiting or be prepared for the lack of amenities. Reddit

While official guided tours are not widely advertised, local walking groups or nature enthusiasts may organize events. It's best to check local community boards or websites. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy woodland walks, admire panoramic views, explore rocky outcrops, and even spot planes on their approach to Leeds. It's ideal for nature lovers and photographers. TikTokInstagramReddit

Absolutely! It offers a variety of trails, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes with steep inclines and declines, like the Chevin Steps. Reddit

As a designated nature reserve, you can expect to see various woodland birds and potentially other small mammals. The diverse habitats support a range of wildlife. Instagram

Generally, yes, especially on the more popular trails. However, it's always wise to stick to marked paths, inform someone of your plans, and be aware of your surroundings. Instagram

The north-facing escarpment offers the most renowned views over Otley and Wharfedale. The area around the stone maze also provides unique perspectives. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic viewpoints overlooking Otley and Wharfedale are prime locations, especially during sunrise and sunset. The woodland trails and rocky outcrops also offer great photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram+2

Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Overcast days can also create a moody atmosphere for woodland shots. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the local authorities or park management regarding any restrictions on drone operation to ensure compliance. Instagram

Look out for the large rock formations, the remnants of quarrying, and the diverse flora and fauna. The changing seasons also offer unique photographic subjects. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions, especially at sunset. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chevin Forest Park offers a fantastic natural playground for families. The woodland trails are perfect for little legs to explore, with plenty of space for running around and discovering nature. Instagram While some paths can be steep, there are more accessible routes near the main car parks that are suitable for younger children. The stone maze can be a fun and intriguing spot for kids to investigate. Reddit Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as amenities like toilets can be scarce. Reddit Sturdy footwear is a must for everyone to navigate the varied terrain safely.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Adventurers & Couples

For solo explorers and couples seeking a peaceful escape, Chevin Forest Park is ideal. The numerous walking routes allow for personal exploration and quiet contemplation. Instagram The panoramic viewpoints offer perfect spots for romantic moments or simply enjoying the solitude and stunning scenery. TikTokInstagram Consider visiting during the week or early mornings to avoid crowds and fully immerse yourselves in the tranquility of the park. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

Chevin Forest Park is a haven for dog owners, with ample space for your furry friends to roam and explore. The extensive network of trails provides varied walks, from gentle woodland paths to more challenging terrains. Instagram Most visitors report that dogs are welcome and enjoy the freedom of the park. Remember to keep your dog under control, especially near wildlife and other visitors, and always clean up after them. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails and Terrain

Chevin Forest Park boasts a network of diverse trails catering to various fitness levels. From gentle, accessible paths near the car parks to more challenging routes that ascend steep inclines, there's something for everyone. Visitors often highlight the Chevin Steps as a particularly rewarding, albeit strenuous, climb. The terrain can be rough, with rocky outcrops and muddy sections, especially after rainfall, making sturdy footwear a must. Reddit The park's landscape is a mix of woodland, open heathland, and dramatic crags, offering varied scenery throughout your exploration. Instagram

Many paths wind through dense woodland, providing a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature. These trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. For those interested in the park's history, the large rocks and trackside walls are remnants of its past as a quarrying site, adding an interesting layer to the landscape. Reddit The park is also a designated nature reserve, so keep an eye out for local wildlife as you explore. Instagram

It's worth noting that the park is quite extensive, and different sections may have their own car parks and distinct features. Exploring beyond the main viewpoints can reveal hidden gems and quieter paths. Reddit Whether you're looking for a short walk with stunning views or a longer, more adventurous trek, Chevin Forest Park offers a rich natural experience.

Capturing the Scenery: Photography Tips

Chevin Forest Park is a photographer's paradise, particularly renowned for its spectacular views and sunset opportunities. The north-facing escarpment provides breathtaking panoramas over Otley and the Wharfedale valley, making it a prime spot for landscape photography. TikTokInstagram+1 The golden hour, especially during sunset, bathes the landscape in a warm, dramatic light that is truly captivating. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the sweeping vistas, the park's woodland trails and rocky outcrops offer a wealth of photographic subjects. The interplay of light and shadow within the trees, the textures of the ancient rocks, and the seasonal changes in foliage all contribute to compelling imagery. Instagram+1 Photographers often recommend a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a telephoto lens for any wildlife sightings. Instagram Consider bringing a tripod for stable shots, especially in lower light conditions during dawn or dusk. Instagram

While the park is beautiful year-round, autumn brings vibrant colors to the woodlands, and misty mornings can create an ethereal atmosphere. Instagram Remember to check for any local regulations regarding drone usage if you plan to capture aerial footage. Instagram With its diverse landscapes and stunning light, Chevin Forest Park provides endless inspiration for photographers of all levels.

Parking and Connectivity Challenges

A common point of discussion among visitors to Chevin Forest Park revolves around parking and mobile phone connectivity. While parking is available, it's not always straightforward. Several reviews mention that the parking machines can be unreliable, leading to frustration. Reddit This often necessitates the use of a dedicated payment app, which can be problematic for visitors who are not tech-savvy or who experience poor phone signal within the park. Reddit

This lack of reliable connectivity and functional payment machines can be particularly challenging for older visitors or those with mobility issues, as one reviewer noted. Reddit It's advisable to download the relevant parking app and familiarize yourself with its use before arriving, or to have some cash on hand as a backup, though even cash machines may not always work. Reddit Some sections of the park have separate car parks, so be aware of which area you are parking in. Reddit

Beyond parking, the general lack of phone signal throughout much of the park can also impact navigation and communication. While this can encourage a digital detox and a deeper connection with nature, it's something to be mindful of if you rely on your phone for maps or emergencies. Reddit Planning your visit with these connectivity and payment considerations in mind will help ensure a smoother experience.

You may also like