North Wetherby Loop

This is a linear tour that runs around the north east of Wetherby, close to the racecourse.
The nearest bus stop to the start point is the one by Watersole Lane, which can be reached by the #7 bus that travels between Harrogate and Leeds.
Initially, the footpath runs quite close to the A1(M) so there is quite a bit of traffic noise. It also goes fairly close to the racecourse at Wetherby giving the opportunity of watching some racing on race days. In fact, it skirts around the racecourse and reaches the Wetherby to York road (B1224) at a roundabout.
I found the footpath had been diverted here and it was a simple matter of crossing the road at the roundabout and following the marked bridleway. However, I only realised that a diversion was in place when I had contended with traffic on the B1224 for about a hundred yards.
Up to Sandbeck Lane the going had been very easy with no muddy stretches – indeed part of the route had been along the tarmaced Wetherby Railway path, but this lane was where the going became slower. It was muddy because the lane is used by tractors and horses. However, nowhere was it particularly deep.
Once I got to the hamlet near Loshpot Lane I was past the muddy stretch. This was a very quiet country lane that led up to the A168. Here I crossed the road and followed the marked path that led to Kirk Deighton across fields.
Unfortunately, the church there was shut. I left the village by Ashdale Lane and then followed the marked footpath, which crossed the northern section of the Wetherby Railway path and led on to the main Harrogate to Wetherby Road where I could pick up a #7 bus.
Navigation on the tour is extremely straightforward, no hills to puff up, and no stiles to clamber over. However, there is really very little to see, unless, of course, you are doing it on a race day.