Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful places in the world and these walks have the awe-inspiring views to prove it.
It’s time to see Yorkshire at its very best. These incredible walks are all within an hour of Leeds and they’ve got one thing in common – views that will take your breath away. From the Surprise View at the Otley Chevin to the panoramic vistas of Beamsley Beacon and the far-off scenery of Silsden Moor, these awe-inspiring views will show you why Yorkshire is called God’s own county.
Beamsley Beacon
Beamsley is the picturesque village at the starting point of a 7-mile walk that offers beautiful views across Wharfedale. You’ll make your way up to the top of Beamsley Beacon where you can pause to enjoy the incredible 360° views of Round Hill, Simon’s Seat and Rombalds Moor over the horizon. The rest of the walk is just as good – Kex Gill is a hidden gem lined with alder trees and the Beamsley Hospital is an unusual relic, a circular building that was built in 1593 and is now a holiday home.
The walk starts at Langbar Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 0EX. Check out the route.
The Silsden Moor Circular
Just 45 minutes from Leeds, this long, rewarding 11.5-mile walk has breathtaking views every step of the way. Head up Millennium Way from Addingham and see God’s Own County at its best, with views over Skipton, Rombald’s Moor and Ilkley. You’ll pass landmarks like Cowburn Beck, House Farm and Low Bradley Mill before you reach the High Bradley rocky outcrops and the edge of Skipton Moor. Here, you can take in the beautiful heather-covered hills and Chelker Reservoir before you make your way back to the start.
The walk starts at Parson’s Lane, Addingham, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 0FA. Check out the route.
Otley Chevin & the Surprise View
Otley Chevin is the place to go for a quick walk that’s full of stunning vistas. It’s just 30 minutes away from Leeds and the 2.7-mile ramble is an absolute treat – you’ll start and end at the Chevin’s Surprise View, as you make your way around the top of the huge ridge. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see as far as Simon’s Seat, Norwood Top, Almscliffe Crag and the White Horse near Sutton Bank from the path that runs along the top edge before you make your way through pretty woodland on your way back to the start.
The walk starts Otley Chevin, Yorkgate Road, Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS21 3DG. Check out the route.
Cover image credit: © Copyright Leeds-List 2021 by Contakt Photography
