Ebor Way: Wetherby to Harewood

The Ebor Way resumes its progress along lower Wharfedale, swinging to and fro across the valley before settling for a riverside finale. You leave Wetherby via its popular waterside park, after which the route is well signposted across a golf course, but be alert for players on the fairways. Beyond the pretty village of Linton the route swings north, up and out across undulating fields with airy views back across the valley, before returning to the river via Wood Hall Hotel. The River Wharfe is crossed by an elegant iron bridge, built in 1868 and repaired in 2015 after one of its supports was badly damaged by a tree trunk carried downstream in winter flood waters. Now up the southern side of the valley this time, there's a short roadside stretch along the A659 - take care as traffic travels fast along this road. The final two miles are the best of the day, following the peaceful riverbank as it gently meanders towards the woods and parkland of Harewood.

Cross the bridge over the River Wharfe and turn right on Lodge Lane to reach the leisure centre car park. Turn right to the riverside path, then turn left and walk round to the footbridge. Cross this and turn right, then left. Cross the park to a stone stile and go over a field and then the golf course, following signs to reach the road. Turn left into Linton, an attractive village set above the River Wharfe.

Just before you reach the Windmill Inn, turn right along Trip Lane, signposted to Wood Hall Hotel. As the minor road climbs there are extensive views across the valley to Collingham and Bardsey. The road leads to a small wood, where you turn right, following field boundaries to Sicklinghall House.

Turn left on to the fenced bridleway, then follow this down to Wood Hall Hotel. Go right, on the driveway behind the hotel, at the end continue on the level route between houses, following public bridleway waymarks. Eventually turn left at the corner of a wall and down a grassy path to the iron bridge over the River Wharfe. The path turns right, then left to reach the A659 road, where you turn right. Take care walking along this busy road. Look for a path on your right, opposite the turn to East Keswick.

The signposted path drops gently down the hillside to the River Wharfe, where you turn left along the riverbank, with fields soon opening out to the left.

After about 2 miles (3.2km) the woods surrounding Harewood Castle can be seen on the hilltop up to the left. Follow the main path as it swings away from the river and up a long track to join the road into Harewood, an interesting estate village worth exploring.