If you fancy a quick, easy ramble across West Yorkshire, these calf-friendly wanders are a must.
Walking doesn’t have to be a feat of endurance, not one bit. There are oodles of rewarding rambles across, through and around West Yorkshire that are a doddle to do. In fact, each one of these five short walks clock in at less than five miles, so the next time you fancy a leisurely stroll with beautiful scenery, you’re spoilt for choice. Dig out those walking boots and discover the beauty of God’s Own County on your doorstep.
The Five Rise Locks Walk
West Yorkshire’s canals are a great shout for your next walk as you’ll soon see on this circular route to The Five Rise Locks. It’s just 2.1 miles along flat, easygoing terrain that takes you around one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways.
Start your hike from Bingley Station and cross the bypass to reach the canal towpath. Geese and water-hens may appear as you meet the Three Rise Locks and cross North Bog to reach the Five Rise Locks – the views here are a bonus.
Start point: Bingley Railway Station – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 2.1 miles (1 hour).
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
Chevin and the Surprise View Circular
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The Otley Chevin is a surefire hit if you’re looking for a relaxing ramble in West Yorkshire – and it offers a big ol’ surprise right from the start. The 2.7-mile walk kicks off at the Surprise View – stop to appreciate the vista across the valley before you head to the top of the ridge.
You can see for miles to Simon’s Seat, the White Horse and Almscliffe Crag on a clear day. Then it’s a woodland wander through to Yorkgate Quarry, the nature reserve and back to the start.
Start point: Yorkgate Road – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 2.7 miles (1-2 hours).
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
Almondbury Common Circular
At just 3.9-miles long, this fantastic circular walk around the outskirts of Huddersfield is one of the best short walks in West Yorkshire. It kicks off at the ruins of a Scheduled Ancient Monument – Castle Hill is a 12th-century, motte-and-bailey castle with two Iron Age hill forts and a deserted medieval village.
But that’s just the start. You’ll also get to trot your way across Almondbury Common, through Molly Carr Wood and over Farnley Hill – what a treat.
Start point: Ashes Common – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 3.9 miles (2 hours).
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
The Hawley Wood Circular
The outskirts of Todmorden offer up a very rewarding 4.3-mile jaunt across beautiful moorland. The start has a gradual 200-metre climb, but from there, it’s all plain sailing with easygoing terrain all the way up to the fascinating gritstone outcrops.
First off, you’ll reach the cliff-side Hawk Stones before you head across to the gravity-defying Great Bride Stones. Take a minute to enjoy the scenery before moseying downhill with show-stopping views of Calderdale.
Start point: Stoney Royd Lane – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 4.3 miles (2 hours).
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
Addingham High Moor Circular
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No matter how fit you are, this two-mile walk through Airedale is an enriching excursion. It starts with a short 60-metre climb, but from then on, it’s glorious views all the way. Head across open moorland, pass millstone lumps and rocks, all the way to Black Hill with its views towards Wharfedale.
You’ll join a well-trodden path towards Ilkley Moor, passing the Addingham High Moor trig point, and toddle over to the ancient Doubler Stones before you go back to the start.
Start point: Light Bank Lane – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 2 miles (1-2 hours)
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
