Otley
The Wharfe through Otley runs alongside houses and former mills upstream, and local parks downstream.
This site is provided for information. People do swim at this spot, but this website in no way should be taken as proof that it is ‘safe’ to swim here. You must always make your own risk assessment, based on your own level of swimming competence and the conditions. Swim at your own risk. Always err on the side of caution, particularly if you are new to open water swimming. Educate yourself about the risks.
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About
Otley comes from the name Otto (or similar) and Leah (a clearing) and there is evidence of people there since prehistoric times. The town as it is now grew around a beck that came down from the Chevin to the Wharfe, near the main bridge. The Wharfe was the reason for many mills built in the town, one site being a great place to access the water. According to Wikipedia there are five active morris dancing groups in Otley. And people think open water swimming is a weird thing to do.
Getting there
There are several places you can access the river in Otley. You may be lucky enough to own a house that backs onto the river, in which case, I hate you.
For the rest of us, two popular access points are at Wharfebank Mills and by Otley Police Station. You can also access the river from the garden of the Fleece (LS21 3DT), and then go for a nice meal after your swim.
Police station
Manor Garth Park lies between the police station (LS21 3AZ) and the water. Follow the path in the park. I have indicated one point where I have exited the water, but you may be able to find a easier spot. If you are in a car there are several car parks in Otley, or it is a short walk from the bus station.
By police station - https://w3w.co/broke.unless.stems
Wharfebank Mills
Further upstream is Wharfebank Mills - postcode LS21 3JP. This is the site of an old textile mill, which is now offices. If in a car you can usually park in the section to the left as you enter. The main car park is for tenants.
There is a clear path out of the car park (near a ‘no swimming sign’) - follow this down to the river, where, depending on the depth, you find some room to get changed.
Wharfebank Mills public parking - https://w3w.co/paddlers.acrobats.bronzes
Wharfebank Mills entry to water — https://w3w.co/lovely.motivates.rational
I recommend using the what3words app to help find exact spots. Selecting the links below will take you directly to a 3 metre square location.
Wharfebank Mills access
River Swimming
Part of the charm of rivers is that they are changeable. For a swimmer this means that you must always assess the safety of entering the water. The depth and the speed of the water can increase quickly. You should avoid swimming in the Wharfe after heavy rain - this is when there is likely to be increased flow, as well as runoff from fields and often from treatment works.
Always be prepared to postpone your swim if the conditions aren’t right for you.
A brilliant resource for swimmers is the river gauge map. There is a station at Otley. You can check the level before you travel to have an indication of what to expect.
You can also check the flow from a meter at Tadcaster. Above 12 m3/s the river is quite fast and difficult to swim against. Keep an eye on recent weather - it can take a couple of days for heavy rain from the dales to make it down to Otley.