There is an enjoyable ~5 mile walk around Harewood House which skirts the grounds. You can park for free in a layby and should get good views of the Red Kites any time of year. The parking spot is at the junction of the A61 and Wike Lane at the South East corner of the estate. No need to enter the grounds so no charges. No toilets though.
More details can be found on this web site
www.walkingenglishman.com/leedsharrogate12.htm
I can't remember the rules on posting web links but you can copy it into your browser.
Never been before so decided to try my luck for Red Kites this a.m. Searched around Eccup res with no result and surrounding fields. Drove North past Harewood House entrance then turned left onto A659, after 1/2 mile saw 2 Kites soaring but could not stop to park, 1st available place was the left turn for a place called Weardley, another birder was also parked here. Then spent a fantastic 3/4 hr watching a minimum of 22 Red Kites, at least 6 different Buzzards, 1 Peregrine and a distant probable Hobby hunting amongst 100's of Swallows in the air. It's not that far away and if any Manchester birder fancies a trip out I would definately recommend this area. Cheers Ian
