Don’t forget your camera – these incredible walks show off Yorkshire at its beautiful, most photogenic best.
There’s good reason for Yorkshire to be christened as God’s Own County, so we thought we’d prove it. We’ve cobbled together seven oh-so-pretty adventures that will take you up hills, across rivers, around reservoirs and across valleys, all with an almost endless array of beauty spots to stop and get that perfect shot for the socials at. Take a look, take a hike and take a snap as you take in a medley of natural wonders and panoramic countryside views.
Harden Valley Circular
Although it’s something of a hidden gem when compared to some of the more well-trodden walks across Yorkshire, the Harden Valley might just be one of our favourite walks. It’s an all-dayer, clocking in at a testing 10.7 miles, but once you’ve set off from Bingley Station, just 30 minutes from Leeds, you’re in for a deluge of must-see landmarks.
Head out of town and into a magical world of woods, waterfalls and moorland, but be prepared to take your time – the sights demand it. There’s an endless stream of picture-perfect views as you make your way past Ruin Bank Wood, Goit Stock Waterfall and Hewenden Viaduct.
Start point: Bingley Railway Station – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 10.7 miles.
Difficulty: Hard.
Route: Check out the route.
Beamsley Beacon
Ah, the Beamsley Beacon. It’s a favourite for us and for hardened ramblers alike, but the moderate seven-mile route is a challenge anyone who can should take on. The village the route is named after is as pretty as a postcard, tucked away between Ilkley and Skipton, but don’t hang about, there’s more to come.
You’re on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, so get set for stunning views mixed with incredible history. The climb up to the Beacon rewards you with show-stopping views over Wharfedale, then you’ll cross quaint Kex Beck, cross Beamsley Moor and pass the unusual round architecture of the historic Beamsley Hospital.
Start point: Langbar Road – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 7 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
The Hartwith Heritage Walk
Nidderdale is christened with the title Area of Outstanding Beauty, and while that may sound like a lot to live up to, the Hartwith Heritage Walk delivers it in spades. It’s a moderate 7.8-mile walk that starts at one of our favourite natural landmarks in Yorkshire – Brimham Rocks.
Once you’ve admired the incredible formations and the rolling hills around you – camera time – you’ll head out on an adventure filled with history. The paths you follow have been used for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years, sweeping you past Iron Age woods, Bronze Age hills and ancient springs before you visit Riva Hill, Hartwith Bank and Spring House Wood.
Start point: Brimham Rocks – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 7.8 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
Ogden Water
This wander around Ogden Water circles a 34-acre reservoir that itself is surrounded by a beautiful country park and swathes of moorland near Halifax. It’s just two miles long, so it’s perfect for walkers of all ages and abilities, and short enough for you to really take your time with it if needed.
It follows well-defined waterside paths and you’ll soon see it’s perfect for amateur photographers – the woods line the water’s edge so you can capture the reflections of the trees onto the still water perfectly. Want more? You can extend out into the moors to add a 3.8-mile loop around the sailing boat-friendly Warley Moor Reservoir too.
Start point: Ogden Water Car Park – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 2 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
The Strid
While the New York Times may have named The Strid as the ‘Killer Creek’, you should be nothing but enlivened by a walk along this iconic Yorkshire waterway, found in the grounds of the historic Bolton Abbey. Stick to the paths, camera on your side, and you’ll have nothing but joy to look forward to.
The 4.7-mile route kicks off from the Cavendish Pavilion and takes you through Strid Wood with its towering sessile oak trees. The woodland floor enjoys a kaleidoscopic year – think bluebells, wild garlic and snowdrops – perfect for shooting, but the water itself is a sight for the shutter, especially as you reach Barden Bridge.
Start point: Cavendish Pavilion – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 4.7 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
Rombalds Moor
Who’s Rombald and why would I walk across his moor, you may ask? Well, it’s named after the legend who is said to have split the rocky floor into the series of outcrops that now cover this stretch of beautiful countryside near Ilkley while running away from an enemy.
Giant legends notwithstanding, there’s not much to fear on this route, other than the 11.3-mile length, but it’s more than rewarding. You’ll see and shoot some of Yorkshire’s most ancient treasures, from Heber’s Ghyll Woods and the Swastika Stone to the Doubler Stone – the views across Wharfedale are incredible here – and Sunny Dale Reservoir.
Start point: Heber’s Ghyll Drive – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 11.3 miles.
Difficulty: Hard.
Route: Check out the route.
Haworth Circular
Brontë is a name forever associated with Yorkshire and with good reason. The family’s works have entertained and enthralled for generations, so why not experience the inspirations behind the literature on this endlessly enchanting seven-mile walk that starts and ends in Haworth?
Flowing becks, pretty moorland and incredible views around every corner make it a must at any time for any rambler – but we like it best on a fresh spring day. Head to Penistone Hill Country Park before crossing Haworth Moor to reach the Brontë Waterfall for a Kodak moment, before moving on to Top Withens, of Wuthering Heights fame, and Lower Laithe Reservoir.
Start point: St Michael & All Angels Church – find it on Google maps.
Distance: 7 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.