You’ll need your walking boots on and your camera at the ready for these stunning walks through the West Yorkshire countryside.
Want to get out into the countryside? A stroll around God’s Own County could be just what you need and these walking routes in West Yorkshire should be top of your list. Glistening reservoirs, leafy woodlands and tumbling streams give each route something extra special. Topped-off with a well-earned picnic or pub trip, it’s the perfect day out, so what are you waiting for?
Ovenden Moor Circuit
This six-mile circuit around Ovenden Moor promises a spectacular day out, full of gentle reservoir paths and rewarding moorland trails. It’s an easygoing walk that kicks off with a pleasant waterside stroll around Ogden Water, a pretty tree-lined reservoir. Then you get to follow the paths along Ogden Kirk Beck, passing a medley of miniature waterfalls as you go. The vast Thornton Moor will soon be in sight, followed by eye-catching views over Leeming Reservoir and Warley Moor Reservoir.
Starting point: Ogden Water Car Park – find it on Google Maps.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 6 miles.
Route: Check out the route.
Eccup Reservoir
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This six-mile walk showcases the very best of the northern Leeds countryside. You’ll start with a leafy stroll through Adel Woods, before veering clockwise around Eccup Reservoir – you can see the water from afar before you reach it. Eventually, you’ll pass through the village of Eccup, home to The New Inn for a well-earned pitstop. From there, it’s onwards toward the south-eastern edge of the reservoir, where you can see the water up close as you head back to the start. Keep an eye out for soaring Red Kites as you walk around it.
Starting point: Adel Woods Car Park – find it on Google Maps.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 6 miles.
Route: Check out the route.
Top Withens
You can soak up the dramatic surrounds that inspired much of the Brontë sisters’ work on this 6.7-mile ramble. The route begins in the quaint village of Haworth, before you venture along a moorland track up to Top Withens, a ruined farmhouse high up on Haworth Moor. En route, you can see Laithe Reservoir and get close to the trickling Brontë Waterfalls, both of which are surrounded by great swathes of moorland. The walk finishes back in Haworth, where the aptly-named Wuthering Heights pub awaits.
Starting point: Museum Car Park – find it on Google Maps.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 6.7 miles.
Route: Check out the route.
Hardcastle Crags Railway Trail
If you love a wooded valley-side ramble, this three-mile walk is the perfect choice. You’ll start at Hardcastle Crags and the neighbouring 19th-century Gibson Mill (also home to a great little cafe). It’s in a fairytale location, nestled beside the flowing Hebden Water. From here, you’ll make your way through the woods to where the old railway tracks used to be – take a quick detour to gawp at the mighty Hell Hole Quarry. After taking in the views from the top of the valley, you’ll descend back down to the riverside through a mix of oak, beech and pine woodland.
Starting point: Hardcastle Crags – find it on Google Maps.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 3 miles.
Route: Check out the route.
Ilkley Moor
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This 6.3-mile circular trail stretches across one of the most famous moors in West Yorkshire. The route starts from West View Park and continues up towards White Wells, an 18th-century spa bath. From here, it’s a steady climb that passes landmarks like Ilkley Crags, Twelve Apostles and Lower Lanshaw Dam, all against a backdrop of heather moorland in the summer. Eventually, the striking Cow and Calf outcrops will come into view. Why not stop by the Cow and Calf Inn for a pint before your descent back down into Ilkley?
Starting point: West View Park – find it on Google Maps.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Length: 6.3 miles.
Route: Check out the route.
