Otley Chevin Forest Park

The forest park overlooks the market town of Otley and is a designated nature reserve

The park's north-facing cliff, or escarpment, rises steeply to a height of 280m above sea level and offers magnificent views of the Wharfe Valley. In recognition of its wealth of wildlife, including the Green Hairstreak Butterfly and the Woodcock, the whole park was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 1989.

Dogs are welcome, but must be kept under control at all times. Dogs are allowed off the lead, but only if they know to return immediately when called.

Location

Chevin Forest Park is in the Wharfe Valley, on either side of East Chevin Road, Otley. It is 10 miles north-west of Leeds city centre. The post code is LS21 3DD.

Get directions on Google Maps

Parking

There are 5 car parks, 3 on East Chevin Road and 2 on Yorkgate providing free parking:

• East Chevin Quarry car park
• Lower Shawfield car park
• Upper Shawfield car park
• Surprise View car park
• Yorkgate Quarry car park

Buses

Visit West Yorkshire Metro to find bus information.

Opening hours

The cafe is open from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Tuesdays) and 11am to 3pm at weekends.

Parking at the cafe is for disabled visitors only.​

Attractions and facilities

View a map of the park (PDF, 3.4 MB).

• amazing views from the Surprise View car park
• White House Cafe, at the top of Johnny Lane (access on foot only)
  
• woodland, heathland, and meadowland
• rocky outcrops
• orienteering routes - see the Friends of Chevin Forest Park​ website.

Disabled access

Surprise View is wheelchair accessible. There is an accessible toilet and changing place at the White House Cafe, available during cafe opening hours.

Volunteering

The Friends of Chevin Forest Park​ are a group of volunteers who work with Leeds City Council to care for and promote the park. They meet on the second Sunday of each month to maintain footpaths, dry stone walling, and to clear scrub. New members are welcome.