Take a leisurely stroll through some beautiful parts of Yorkshire before you reward yourself with a well-earned pint.
Need a little incentive to get your legs moving? We’ve got just the thing – three wonderfully easy walks that all have a pub at the end. You can enjoy a relaxing ramble through the Yorkshire countryside, taking in incredible views and historic landmarks, before making your way to the bar for a pint of the local ale and perhaps even a bite to eat. So what are you waiting for? Walking boots on, it’s time to explore…
Castle Hill Circular
The Castle Hill Circular is just 45 minutes away from Leeds as you make your way south to the outskirts of Huddersfield. This easygoing 3.9-mile walk starts close to a must-visit Scheduled Ancient Monument, so you can check out what’s left of the 12th-century motte-and-bailey castle, two iron age hill forts and a deserted medieval village.
You’ll then make your way along flat paths across Almondbury Common through Molly Carr Wood, Arthur Wood and Farnley Hill before you head back to the start. The Radcliffe Arms is waiting for you in Almondbury, a country pub where you can enjoy a real ale.
Start point: Ashes Common Farm – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 3.9 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
Knaresborough Circular
Credit: Ian Grattan licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use.
It takes just over half an hour to get to Knaresborough and this 3-mile stroll brings together the rural and urban. You’ll start on Low Bridge, with Mother Shipton Inn and The Half Moon either side of you – more on them later. Head on to Abbey Road, passing all manner of quaint shops and interesting buildings.
You’ll then come to the Shrine of Our Lady in the Crag and then the Tolkien-esque Abbey Road Wood Sculptures in the nearby rock garden. Back on the route, you’ll join pretty paths alongside the River Nidd that lead you to Knaresborough Castle before heading back to one of the two pubs at Low Bridge for well-earned refreshments.
Start point: Low Bridge – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 3 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
In Sight of Simon’s Seat
If you fancy a longer walk that’s still just as easy, try the popular In Sight of Simon’s Seat route. The starting point of this 10-mile wander is just under an hour from Leeds and takes you from the picturesque Yorkshire Dales village of Appletreewick. You’ll kick off with a small climb as you head to the River Wharfe, which you’ll follow for much of the walk.
It’s a serene valley ramble through Skyreholme, Trolley Gill and Appletreewick Pasture with stunning views over the open moorland. End your walk with a well-deserved stop at The Craven Arms – it welcomes walkers, kids and dogs with traditional country fare.
Start point: The Craven Arms – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 10 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
