Ready for something different? These challenging walks near Leeds are sure to push you to the limit.
In the mood for a challenge but don’t want to stray too far from Leeds? We’ve got just the thing for you. These walks – all within an hour of the city – are true tests of endurance. Whether it’s the sheer length of them, adverse weather conditions or steep ascents, each hike is undoubtedly tough, but breathtaking views and immersive nature experiences make every step worthwhile.
Rombald’s Moor Circular
The tough climbs, boggy paths and rocky terrain are hallmarks of this challenging 11.3-mile walk across Rombald’s Moor, but the stunning views and treasured landmarks along the way make it all the more rewarding.
You’ll start on the outskirts of Ilkley, where a steep climb up Barmishaw Hole and Badger Stone sees you arrive at Rombald’s Moor. Carry on and feast your eyes upon some of the county’s most treasured landmarks, like The Twelve Apostles Stone Circle, the Swastika Stone and Sunny Dale Reservoir. Spend a while enjoying the views over Wharfedale before heading back into Ilkley.
Start point: Darwin Gardens car park – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 11.3 miles
Route: Check it out.
Rawdon Billing
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A two-mile walk might not scream ‘challenging’ but Rawdon Billing is here to change your mind. The old quarry provides calf-stretching ascents, challenging terrain and open spaces at the will of the elements, as well as amazing views.
You’ll kick things off at Jubilee Hall car park. Just past the school, take the footpath to the right and carry on up towards the playing field – head towards the top of Billing Hill and it’s all downhill from here. On your way down, take in landmarks like Billing Dam, Larkfield Dam and Billing Hill. This walk is perfect if you don’t have much time but still want to properly stretch those legs.
Start point: Jubilee Hall car park – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 2 miles
Route: Check it out.
Trans Pennine Trail
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Now, the Trans Pennine Trail is what we call challenging. Covering 207 miles, the trek would take you a week or so to complete the lot, so we suggest doing the still testing 14-mile-long Leeds to Wakefield section to start with.
It’ll take a whole day, starting at Leeds Station – perfect if you don’t have access to car. Follow the River Aire, pass the rocky trail by the old Thwaite Mills, make your way through the picturesque village of Methley and see if you can spot a rare bird at St Aidan’s Nature Reserve. To finish off, you’ll navigate the banks of the Aire-Calder Navigation and end up at Stanley Ferry Marina.
Start point: Leeds Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 14 miles
Route: Check out the route.
Embsay Moor Circular
The terrain of Embsay Moor Circular may be challenging (you’ll either be going up or down the whole time!), but boy is it worth it for the views you’ll get over vast stretch of the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Before you start your walk at Barden Road, make sure you’re ready for big climbs up Cracoe Fell, Rylstone Fell and Hall Fell – and keep your eye out for landmarks like the Rylstone Cross and Cracoe War Monument as you go. While the majority of the walk is on well-trodden paths, the ending over Embasy Crag can get particularly boggy, so brace yourself!
Start point: Barden Road – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 9.6 miles
Route: Check it out.
Pateley Bridge Circular
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There’s no doubt about it, the 12-mile long Pateley Bridge Circular will tire you out. Covering part of the famed Nidderdale Way, the weather can cause it to be slippy underfoot, but you’ll see some incredible landmarks for your trouble.
Begin at The Royal Oak pub (quick pint before or after?) and pass through Nidderdale, before heading through High Crag, York Folly, Strikes Wood and Bewerley. Our favourite part of the walk, though, has to be the stop off at Brimham Rocks. Quick tip – make sure your map reading skills are up to scratch before embarking on this walk, as the twisting paths can disorient you.
Start point: The Royal Oak – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 12 miles
Route: Check it out.
Silsden Moor Circular
Does this Silsden Moor walk offer some of the most beautiful views in Yorkshire? Yes – though it may take some effort to get them. The 11-mile-long walk has difficult terrain and steep climbs, but if you can do it, it’s so worth it.
Begin at Parson’s Lane near Addingham and set off by following the Millennium Way to High Marchup. You’ll be walking over lush green grass as you take in views over Skipton, Rombald’s Moor and Ilkley. At the end of the walk, the terrain by High Bradley may be rocky but they’ll reward you with a glimpse of the heather-covered Beamsley Beacon and Chalker Reservoir.
Start point: Parson’s Lane – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 11.5 miles
Route: Check it out.
Holme Valley Circular Walk
Although the Holme Valley Circular Walk is a truly mammoth trek (at 24 miles!), it’s truly lovely, even if you want to split it up over a few days. It takes you through Holmfirth and Holmbridge, past pretty woodlands and sprawling reservoirs.
Kick off the hike at Berry Brow Station near Huddersfield and make your way down south to Holmfirth along a stretch of the River Holme. You’ll then head around a series of stunning reservoirs, including Digley and Holme Styles. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Castle Hill Iron Age fort on your way back through Thurstonland – it’s a Scheduled Ancient Monument, don’t you know.
Start point: Berry Brow Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 24 miles
Route: Check it out.
Lyke Wake Walk
20 hours – that’s how long it takes to complete the Lyke Wake Walk. Coming in at a whopping 40 miles, you’ll start off in Osmotherley and hike across the North Yorkshire Moors before ending up on the coast at Ravenscar.
The challenge is to complete the walk in under 24 hours. You’ll start at Cod Beck Reservoir car park, where it’ll take you an hour to reach the Osmotherley starting point – be warned, you’ll meet steep ascents and sections of peat bog along the way. All that will be worth it, though, as you pass the Bronze Age Wainstones and the North York Moors Railway as you go.
Start point: Cod Beck reservoir car park – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 40 miles
Route: Check it out.
The Leeds Country Way
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On the hunt for a challenging walk in Leeds? We’ve got you covered. The Leeds Country Way is a circular walk covering a whopping 62 miles of the city’s outskirts, passing more than a few famous landmarks on the way.
The walk can take up to three days to complete – don’t worry though, you can split it up into manageable portions. You may encounter steep ascents, boggy ground and tough terrain as you go, but you’ll also get to see the grounds of the stunning Harewood House, the picturesque woodland of Barnbowl Wood and views from the Eccup Reservoir which more than make up for it.
Start point: Golden Acre Park – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 62 miles
Route: Check it out.
Skipton to Malham
Connecting two of North Yorkshire’s prettiest towns, there’s a reason why the Skipton to Malham walk is a favourite among walkers looking for a challenge. It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, full of steep ascents and rocky terrain.
Start this 12-miler as you mean to go on with a big climb to Sharp Haw (be warned, it can get windy!) before beginning the descent towards Rough Haw. From here, you’ll pass through picturesque villages like Flasby and Hetton on your way to Winterburn Reservoir. Then it’s time for our favourite part – the imposing Gordale Scar and the magical Janet’s Foss waterfall.
Start point: Chapel Hill – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 12 miles
Route: Check it out.
