Otley - Town & Wharfmeadows

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Otley Town & Wharfmeadows, with Agents sent by Spy HQ into Otley to stop Dr Ottoman's anti-glue ray before it makes the town's furniture fall apart.

The operation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You'll begin at the Jubilee Clock in Market Place, just off Kirkgate, before investigating the town centre, the churchyard and graveyard by the church, Otley Courthouse, Tittybottle Park and the riverside paths through Wharfmeadows Park.

This Trail is pushchair accessible, but not suitable for wheelchairs. The route follows pavements and clear paths, with one set of steps which can probably be managed by a small pushchair but not a wheelchair. There are no steep hills.

Keep your Mini Agents close around the busier town roads. The mission also includes road crossings, steps, a narrow pavement section, a cobbled lane, a lowered pavement, a road bridge, a footbridge over the river and a riverside path through parks. The footbridge over the river might be a temporary one.

Getting There

By car: Start the mission at the Jubilee Clock in Market Place, just off Kirkgate (LS21 3HN). Park your spy-mobile at North Parade car park (LS21 1BA). More spaces are available at Courthouse Street (LS21 3AN).

By public transport: Make your way to the Jubilee Clock in Market Place, just off Kirkgate, to begin the operation. The route finishes in Wharfmeadows Park; to return to the start, retrace your steps through the park and cross back over the road bridge, then follow the road into the town centre, twisting right then left to reach Market Place where the mission began.

Need the Loo?

There are toilets in the town centre, signed from near the start, or just before Clue 11. Toilets are also mentioned along New Market, with more at the cafe near the last clue.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If four-legged recruits are joining your squad, keep them close throughout the operation. 🐾

The route includes busy roads around town, road crossings, steps, narrow pavement sections, a cobbled lane, a road bridge, a footbridge over the river and riverside paths through parks, so leads are sensible around traffic, tighter sections and the water.

Food & Drink Stops

The best spots to stock up on refreshments are near the starting point, before Dr Ottoman's anti-glue ray has a chance to sabotage snack supplies.

The route also passes the Black Bull Inn, and there is a cafe near the last clue. Pack a picnic to enjoy in Wharfmeadows Park, where the mission finishes up.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Jubilee Clock tower and Otley's markets

Your mission begins beside the Jubilee Clock tower, built on the site of the original market cross to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. At the time it cost £180, all raised by the public - in today's money that's about £9000. The tower overlooks the town's thrice-weekly market and monthly farmers' market, making Market Place a fine spot to linger before or after the operation.

The churchyard and graveyard by the church

The route takes Agents to a churchyard and graveyard with a curious local tale. Methodist preacher John Wesley often visited Otley in the 18th century, and it is said that when his horse Robert died during one visit, he had it buried in this graveyard. Look out for the unusual Toblerone shaped headstone known as the 'Donkey Stone', said to mark where Robert was buried.

Otley Courthouse

Otley Courthouse adds a dash of historic mischief to the mission. Plaques created by a local artist relate to old cases heard at the courthouse, including 'stealing eggs and gooseberries' and 'playing pitch and toss on the highway'. Check inside to find out more about these 19th century crimes.

Tittybottle Park

This small riverside park makes a neat pause before the route crosses into Wharfmeadows Park. It has its own history board, so Agents who enjoy extra intel can check the story of the park on site before continuing across the river.

Wharfmeadows Park

The mission finishes in Wharfmeadows Park, following the riverside path all the way along to the play park area. Keep an eye out for the sandstone sculpture representing a Wharfedale Press, invented by David Payne of Otley in 1858; an original machine can be seen in the Otley Museum.