A winter ramble is made all the more beautiful in Yorkshire. Discover the region’s wealth of wonderful walks for those cold, bracing days.
Winter has arrived and a brisk adventure through the Yorkshire countryside is the perfect way to spend a day. From valley strolls to railway trails, family-friendly walks to more challenging treks, we’ve rounded up five of the finest winter wanders for you, all within easy distance of Leeds. So what are you waiting for? Head out on an incredible walk through God’s Own County – just make sure you wrap up warm!
The Wessenden Valley Walk
Just 45-minutes from Leeds, Marsden is a town based on the northern edge of the Peak District National Park and the starting point of this rewarding, linear eight-mile walk around the wonderful Wessenden Valley.
It shows off the beauty of the point where the Pennines meets the Peaks. Get ready to be blessed by stunning, snow-tinted views as you pass four different reservoirs – Butterley, Blakely, Wessenden and Wessenden Head. The walk ends at the latter, so just retrace your steps to make it back to Marsden for a well-earned rest.
Start point: Marsden Moor Estate Office – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 8 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
The Brontë Walk
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Yorkshire winters were at the very heart of the Brontës’ works, so what better way to venture in and around their world than on this famous eight-mile walk around Haworth. You’ll get going from The Fleece Inn (good to know for post-walk refreshments), which is about 50 minutes from Leeds.
Stroll past Lower Laithe Reservoir, through the village of Stanbury and up to the Museum Parsonage where you can delve further into the writers’ lives. On the way back, the Brontë Waterfall will provide your highlight before you reach the end.
Start point: The Fleece Inn – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 8 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
Nostell Priory Obelisk Walk
Credit: Nick Singleton Photography
Not all winter walks around Yorkshire have to be taxing – this easygoing two-mile route around the historic Nostell Priory in Wakefield is the perfect example. It’s around 30 minutes from Leeds and starts at the stunning Palladian house which dates back to 1733.
From there, you’ll make your way past the Boathouse and the lake of the same name, before you take the path along the carriageway that leads you to the original gatehouse, Obelisk Lodge. On frosty mornings, it really is the prettiest of pictures, before you cross Boathouse Bridge to the finish.
Start point: Nostell Priory courtyard – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 2 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
The Lydgate Circular
A slice of rare seclusion in the Yorkshire countryside, this easygoing 4.3-mile moorland stroll will see you visit some beautifully remote areas of West Yorkshire. It starts near Todmorden, about 55 minutes from Leeds, where you can expect snow-covered hills all around you.
A 200-metre climb to the top of the moors kicks things off and then it’s on to two gritstone outcrops. The Hawk Stones are first – look out for roaming sheep – then you’ll visit the gravity-defying Great Bride Stones, before you head back down the valley.
Start point: Stoney Royd Lane – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 4.3 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
The Ilkley Moor Circular
If you don’t want to stray too far from Leeds for your winter walk, keep it simple with the famous Ilkley Moor. This 6.3-mile wander is one of the best winter walks you can do, starting at West View Park.
You’ll take the easygoing lane towards White Wells, an 18th-century spa and baths, up to the heather-covered moorland – however, come winter, it’s more likely that you’ll see snow draped over the hills in front of you and beyond. It’ll take you over to an array of landmarks, like Ilkley Crags Twelve Apostles, Cow and Calf rocks and Rocky Valley before returning to the start.
Start point: West View Park – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 6.3 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
