Getting There
Leave the A1(M) at Junction 42 to take the A63 signed Leeds, northbound 1st exit, southbound 3rd exit.
At the second roundabout, take the 2nd exit, signed Leeds A63.
At the next roundabout take the 1st exit, signed A1246 signed Brotherton, Fairburn.
Continue on the A1246 to Fairburn.
At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit, signed Allerton, Bywater, and notice the brown RSPB sign which you are now following.
After the Wagon and Horses, bear to the right into Gauk Street.
At the T-junction turn right, signed Castleford, as indicated by the brown RSPB sign.
Remain on this lane until the Fairburn Ings Nature reserve is signed to the left.
Return to A1(M) Junction 42
Turn right out of the car park and continue on the lane until Fairburn. Just before The Three Horseshoes, turn left signed A1(M) The North/The South.
At the T-junction turn left.
At the roundabout take the 1st exit A126/A63, signed Ledsham/Leeds.
At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit, signed A1(M), A63 Selby.
Rejoin the A1(M) from this road.
Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve
Walk length: 25 – 50 minutes (3km)
There is a lot to see on this purpose-made walk through this RSPB nature reserve.
Starting at the visitor centre, follow the very clearly signed Riverbank Trail. We made a small detour at the start to visit the hides, and were rewarded by the sight of some frolicking wagtails. The path to the hides links up with the Riverbank Trail so it's not much of a deviation, but well worth it.
The path is well surfaced, providing easy walking, and there is a network of raised walkways where visitors can walk across the wetlands.
The Riverbank Trail is not a circular path, and we walked as far as Bob Dickens Hide (1.5km from the start) before turning round to return the same way.
The reserve has been created over the site of a former colliery, and as the trail leads you up the hill it is fascinating to watch work in progress on a conservation area over to the right.
Facilities
Free parking, Visitor Centre with maps, information and shop, WC, refreshments – ice cream, tea and coffee. Dog water bowl provided. Outdoor seating.
Useful Links
Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve
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