Forest bathing at Chevin Forest Park

The Chevin is the long ridge on the south side of Otley, and much of it is old woodland and heathland, with meadows and rocky gritstone outcrops between. Leeds City Council looks after it as a forest park, and the whole park has been a Local Nature Reserve since 1989. Parts of it were the Danefield estate, given to Otley as a war memorial after the Second World War. A Roman road once ran along the top.

There are five car parks, four along East Chevin Road and one at Yorkgate Quarry, so it is easy to drop into the woods from different sides. Surprise View is the busiest spot, with wide views over Otley and the dale, and it is wheelchair accessible. For quiet time among the trees, head downhill into the woods below it rather than along the ridge. The White House Café, reached on foot, has an accessible toilet. Expect earth paths and slopes elsewhere.