Wettad two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Wettad here.

I did this route in summer from Tadcaster to Wetherby, then came back on the Wettad 1 route.

Both routes are good, this one is more direct and accessible. Wettad 1 is longer, and less accessible with more fields/long grass/gates etc, but is maybe a bit more scenic. Both use the same route from Tadcaster to Newton Kyme, and they cross over in places, so you could mix and match.

The section from Newton Kyme to Wetherby is mostly tarmac, so would be suitable for wheelers. The section along the river from Tadcaster to Newton Kyme is not, but there's good pavement most of the way from Tadcaster to Newton Kyme which would give an accessible alternative.

As it was mid summer, the ground was very dry making easy walking. I've done this route in winter as well, and it doesn't get too boggy even after heavy rain.

Starting from Tadcaster the route follows the high street for a short while, before turning off past the church and out along the river banks. It passes under the viaduct and then after a mile or so crosses a very narrow footbridge with steps up to it and a gate at the other end. It then follows the river all the way to the village of Newton Kyme, passing through a few gates on the way.

From Newton Kyme village it re-joins the road for a short while, mostly on pavement, before turning off onto the mixed use pedestrian and cycle path along the old railway line. This now goes all the way to Wetherby, crossing the Wharfe on the restored Newton Kyme viaduct. This route is tarmac all the way to Wetherby, is generally flat, and is very enjoyable, passing through old railway cuttings and under old railway bridges. It crosses a couple of roads on the way but these are generally not too busy.

On the outskirts of Wetherby (by the Racecourse) the route turns left and follows a rough, but still hardpacked surface, to join Walton Road. It then follows this on the pavement over the A1 and into the town centre, crossing the A168 bypass at a roundabout. This section can get busy with traffic so cross carefully.

As an alternative, instead of turning off by the racecourse, you could stay on the tarmac cycle path and go under the A1 on the underpass. From here you can take Freeman's Way, Ceres Road and then Hallfield Lane into the centre of Wetherby. This route is more direct, better surfaced, and avoids having to cross the bypass.

There's no places to stop for food or drink on the way, although the route does pass quite close to Boston Spa, so you could take a detour for cafes, shops, and pubs there. Wettad 1 passes through Boston Spa so you could swap onto that route there if needed. Both Tadcaster and Wetherby have plenty of shops, cafes, and pubs.

Overall, I'd highly recommend both this and the Wettad 1 route. The route is obvious and easy to follow, and the gpx file was generally accurate, apart from a some places where the cycle path deviates slightly from the line of the railway.

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