Want walks with guaranteed views without straying too far from Leeds? This trio of wonderful wanders will tick that box!
Incredible views come as standard on this trio of hand-picked walks and the best news is that they’re all less than an hour from Leeds. Result! In fact, we’ve done all three of these walks just to make sure, so you can trust us when we say the views are worth the effort you’ll need to put in. From views of Wharfedale to vistas over Calderdale, you’ll be positively spoilt for choice. The only question is – which one will you do first?
Otley Chevin & the Surprise View
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If you want to go on a short, but incredibly rewarding walk near Leeds, then the Otley Chevin is the place to go. This is more of a stroll than a hike, and it only takes half an hour to reach the start point at the Surprise View. It’s only 2.7-miles long, so it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours as you make your way around the massive ridge. On a clear sunny day, you should be able to see as far our as Simon’s Seat, Almscliffe Grad, Norwood Top and the White Horse over Sutton Bank – these are seriously impressive views you’ll want to savour. The walk itself offers wonderful woodland as you snake in and out of tree cover, so why not take your time to enjoy it all before you head back to the start?
The walk starts Otley Chevin, Yorkgate Road, Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS21 3DG. Check out the route.
Beamsley Beacon
This is one of our favourite walks, a go-to when the sun’s out and the ground’s dry. Why? Well, how long have you got? If it’s three to four hours, then you’re in luck, because that’s how long this 7-mile wander takes, kicking off in the picturesque village of Beamsley, about 50 minutes from Leeds. You’ll then head up to the top of Beamsley Beacon, so be prepared for a steady ascent but on decent paths. The 360-degree views of Wharfedale, including Round Hill, Simon’s Seat and Rombald’s Moor, are worth the effort, plus you’ll also pass Kex Gill, a hidden gem towered over by alder trees, and the unusual shape of Beamsley Hospital – now a holiday home, the circular building dates from 1593.
The walk starts at Langbar Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 0EX. Check out the route.
Stoodley Pike Circular
Whether you’re tackling the M62 or local rail services, you can reach Hebden Bridge in less than an hour from Leeds, and you should for this incredible walk that takes you to one of West Yorkshire’s finest natural landmarks. The 8.7-mile walk is a long one, so clear a whole day, and make your way from the town centre and up to Hebble End and follow the signs up to Stoodley Pike. The views over Calderdale are spectacular, but take the time to visit the monument too, which commemorates the defeat of Napoleon and the Battle of Waterloo. Then it’s back to Hebden via Lumbutts village and the Rochdale Canal.
The walk starts at Hebden Bridge Station, Station Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 6JE. Check out the route.
