Blanket Wood

The woodland around Otley isn't famous, which is precisely why Blanket Wood works so well. It's a proper forest walk rather than a manicured country estate - the sort of place where you actually feel like you've left town behind, even though Otley's only just down the road.

The main appeal is straightforward: trees, paths, and enough space to stretch your legs without navigating crowds. It's good for families who want an hour or two of low-key woodland wandering, and walkers heading out from the town will find it a natural extension of a day's rambling. The paths are manageable for most fitness levels, though it's not a flat stroll - there's proper climbing involved if you explore the steeper sections.

You'll want to allow between ninety minutes and two hours depending on how far you venture in. Spring and early summer are when it's at its best - bluebells if you time it right, and the canopy hasn't completely blocked out the light. Autumn's decent too, if you don't mind the mud.

If you're staying at Maustin Park just outside Otley, Blanket Wood makes an excellent half-day option before heading back for a pint in town. It won't blow your mind, but it's exactly what you want from a Yorkshire woodland - honest, accessible, and worth the walk.