Norwood, near Otley, North Yorkshire

Stainburn Forest

Forest

Source image

6.2

Wildland

1–2 hours for the sourced circular walk

Time

Paid parking

Cost

Wild

Feel

ForestHillsRemote countrysideWalkersCyclistsDogs

Why it's Wildland

6.2

A two-sided forest where conifer canopy and woodland trails meet technically demanding mountain-bike tracks, with open moorland and views towards Lindley Wood Reservoir nearby.

Stainburn earns its place for the contrast between forest and open moor, and for a mountain-bike trail network described by Forestry England as short but rewarding and challenging. The sourced Stainburn Moor circular adds a longer walking option with countryside views and a route beside Lindley Wood Reservoir.

Wild · Dramatic

Find your way

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Norwood, near Otley, North Yorkshire

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The experience

Choose between short, challenging mountain-bike trails from Norwood Edge and a longer 5.7-mile circular crossing forest and moor. The walking route mixes tracks, bridleways, footpaths and road sections, so allow for muddy ground after rain and take care where it shares space with cyclists.

Things to do

Try the Norwood Edge mountain-bike trails

Forestry England describes a selection of short, rewarding trails that can challenge experienced riders. The trails are maintained by the SingletrAction volunteer group with Forestry England.

Walk the Stainburn Moor circular

A 5.7-mile loop through woodland and fields, over the hill and along slopes overlooking Lindley Wood Reservoir, then past Norwood Edge Plantation and Little Arms Cliff. The route includes roads, bridleways and footpaths.

2–2.5 hours

Look out towards Lindley Wood Reservoir

The circular route follows slopes overlooking the reservoir. This is a view from the route, not evidence of permission to access or use the water.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · A short ride; exact duration not specified

Quick Escape: ride the Norwood Edge trails

01
Use Norwood Edge Car Park for access to the mountain-bike trails.
02
Choose a trail that suits your ability; Forestry England describes the trails as short and rewarding, with challenges for experienced riders.
03
Take care where trails or crossings are shared with walkers.

Half day · 2–2.5 hours; 5.7 miles (9.2 km)

Make a Half Day of It: Stainburn Moor circular

01
Start from Stainburn Forest car park and follow the track into the woodland.
02
Continue across the surrounding fields and over the hill, with views towards Lindley Wood Reservoir.
03
Trace the edge of Norwood Edge Plantation, pass Little Arms Cliff and return to the car park.
04
Allow for road sections, shared paths and potentially muddy footpaths; take suitable footwear.

When to go

The supplied sources do not establish a best season. AllTrails notes that some footpaths may be muddy after heavy rain.

Footpaths may be muddy after heavy rain. The circular route includes road sections; take care and use pavements and grass verges where possible. Forestry England warns that fire risk can be high and prohibits fires, barbecues and stoves in the forest.

The route

ascent: 610 ft
surface: Roads, bridleways and footpaths; some paths may be muddy after heavy rain
distance: 5.7 miles
duration: 2–2.5 hours
difficulty: Moderate
route shape: Loop
start point: Stainburn Forest car park along Norwood Lane, according to AllTrails
parking start: Forestry England lists Norwood Edge and Stainburn Moor car parks; charges apply. Check the route start and parking arrangements before setting out.

Walk through Stainburn Forest and across surrounding fields.
Views over Lindley Wood Reservoir.
Pass Norwood Edge Plantation and Little Arms Cliff.

What to look for

Notice the change from conifer woodland to open moor and rolling countryside. On the circular walk, look for views over Lindley Wood Reservoir and the route past Little Arms Cliff.

Best time to go

No specific best season is verified in the supplied sources. Check conditions before setting out; paths may be muddy after heavy rain.

No preferred time of day is specified in the supplied sources. Check current conditions before travelling, particularly after heavy rain.

How long to spend

1–2 hours for the sourced circular walk; allow additional time for mountain biking

Perfect for

Walkers · Cyclists · Dogs

Practical information

Opening & access

Forestry England states that the forest is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Parking charges apply at Norwood Edge and Stainburn Moor car parks.

Parking

Two car parks: Norwood Edge and Stainburn Moor. Charges are £3.50 for up to two hours and £6.00 for over two hours; Forestry England national members park free. No overnight stays.

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

The source row marks the forest dog-friendly. AllTrails review summaries recommend keeping dogs on a short lead; check current signage and conditions.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Forestry England lists no designated accessible parking spaces. Trail accessibility is not established by the supplied sources; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Paid parking; free for Forestry England national members

Water

Lindley Wood Reservoir is visible from sections of the sourced circular route. No water activities or access to the reservoir are verified.