Alwoodley to Bramhope

This is a short linear tour from Alwoodley to Bramhope, starting and finishing on tarmaced roads. I came across no muddy stretches, so I think this would be a good tour to do in the winter months when some places can get muddy. I got to Alwoodley (Eccup Reservoir) with the 36 bus and returned to Leeds on the X84. I had to clamber over five stiles en-route.
For the most part, navigation is quite straightforward. The bridleway down to Eccup Reservoir is clearly signposted as is the way past Owlett Hall on to Eccup Moor Road. I found walking along this road fairly boring, but it did enable a good pace.
After the hamlet of Eccup i had my first hiccup with navigation at Mount Pleasant Farm. First of all, I could not see the public footpath marked, so decided to go back through the farm. I then saw a track going downhill and followed it, only to discover it was the wrong track. The one I wanted was on the ridge. Looking at the map in retrospect, it may be better to walk on past the farm and then take a footpath on the left which should be signposted and then turn right on this path along the ridge.
The part of the tour after the farm is the start of the real hiking across fields and along field boundaries: this is the Dales Way.
At the Bowshaws, just north of Bank Side Farm are some wonderful views. You can see Arthington railway viaduct and also look over to Almscliffe Crag on the skyline. The vistas here are truly entrancing.
At Bank Side, the route becomes the Ebor Way. At the top of a slope is a thoughtfully positioned bench where you can relax, catch your breath and watch the red kites making the best use of the thermals.
The Ebor Way goes across Athington Road and eventually arrives in West Breary and it is here that you can catch the X84 back to Leeds.