THIS WEEK’S FEATURED WALKS:
ALL TRAILS
RAMSDEN AND RIDING WOOD RESERVOIR WALK
A picturesque five mile circular walk near Holme, combining reservoirs, woodland, and charming pubs
Start: The Fleece Inn, Holme, West Yorkshire
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation: 800 feet
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot or download GPX file
About the route
If you're looking for a peaceful countryside walk with scenic reservoirs, lush woodlands, and the chance to finish your day at a cosy pub, this walk is perfect for your next Sunday Stroll. Starting and ending at The Fleece Inn in Holme, this easy-to-moderate 5.48-mile circular walk showcases the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside.
You'll meander through serene woodland, cross open fields dotted with stiles, and enjoy the tranquility of three stunning reservoirs: Ramsden, Riding Wood, and Digley. Midway through, a stop at the delightful Pickled Pheasant pub in Holmbridge makes for an ideal pistop — before finishing up at cosy pub, The Fleece Inn.
Route highlights
The Fleece Inn, Holme
This charming country pub is the perfect place to begin and end your walk. Serving hearty food, a range of drinks, and offering a welcoming atmosphere, The Fleece Inn is a fantastic spot to relax after your adventure.
Ramsden Reservoir
Tucked away in a serene setting, Ramsden Reservoir is the first of the three you'll encounter on this walk. Its peaceful surroundings make it a great spot for taking photos or just pausing to appreciate the beauty of the surrounds.
Riding Wood Reservoir
A short distance from Ramsden, Riding Wood Reservoir is a smaller but equally beautiful highlight. The path here offers picturesque views framed by trees and rolling hills. It’s a beautiful spot in all seasons, but an absolute must-visit in autumn when the surrounding backdrop comes to life.
Digley Reservoir
The largest of the three reservoirs, Digley Reservoir offers expansive waterside paths and some of the best views on the route. This area is particularly popular for its scenic picnic spots.
Options to extend the route
If you’re keen to explore more of the area, there are a couple of options to extend the walk:
Circular extension via Brownhill Reservoir: Add an extra mile to your walk by incorporating Brownhill Reservoir into your route. This peaceful stretch is a favourite among locals — and for good reason.
Hiking towards Holme Moss: For those seeking more of a challenge, extend the route to include the climb up Holme Moss, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
Things to do nearby
Holmfirth Vineyard
Just a short drive from Holme, Holmfirth Vineyard offers tours, wine tasting, and a bistro with stunning views over the valley.
Digley Reservoir Circular Walk
If you're looking for a shorter walk, the Digley Reservoir Circular Walk is a 1.5-mile route with equally stunning views.
Cycling Trails
The Holme Valley is a popular spot for cyclists, with a variety of routes catering to different abilities.
Getting to the starting point
Arriving by car
The walk begins at The Fleece Inn in Holme (postcode: HD9 2QG), where there is parking available for customers and limited roadside parking surrounding. Please check with the pub if parking is intended for longer stays.
Public transport
Holme is accessible by bus from Holmfirth, with services running regularly. Be sure to check the timetable in advance, as rural routes can be infrequent.
✔️ Good to knows
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with some stiles and gentle inclines.
Footwear: With stiles and uneven terrain, sturdy walking boots are essential for this one. The path can get muddy in wet weather, so waterproof footwear is a good idea.
Food and drink: Both The Fleece Inn and The Pickled Pheasant provide excellent options for food and drink. Alternatively, pack a picnic to enjoy by one of the reservoirs.
Parking: Roadside parking is available near The Fleece Inn.
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
HARDCASTLE CRAGS, HEBDEN BRIDGE
This 8-mile walk near Hebden Bridge makes for the perfect for autumn adventure — featuring stunning woodland, historic sites, and the charm of the Yorkshire countryside.
Start: Bowling Green Car Park, Heptonstall
Distance: 7.82 miles
Elevation: 950 feet
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot or download GPX file
About the route
This circular walk begins at Bowling Green Car Park in Heptonstall, a beautiful historic village near Hebden Bridge. The 8-mile route weaves through Hardcastle Crags’ dramatic landscape, full of ancient woodlands, river crossings, and a beautiful woodland cafe. Along the way, you'll encounter Gibson Mill, a historic 19th-century mill run by the National Trust, and the resting place of literary legend, Sylvia Plath.
Route difficulty
Walk type: Easy-moderate circular walk with some inclines and rocky paths
Parking: Bowling Green Car Park, Heptonstall
Walk highlights:
Hardcastle Crags’ stunning rocky ravines and deep woodlands
Gibson Mill and its eco-friendly Weaving Shed Café
Sylvia Plath’s grave
Stepping stones
Route highlights
Hardcastle Crags Woods
Managed by the National Trust, Hardcastle Crags offers a varied landscape, from lush, rocky ravines to open woodlands of oak, beech, and pine. This diverse ecosystem is home to birds, insects, and even occasional deer. The National Trust has created several waymarked trails for all abilities, including stepping-stone river crossings, perfect for families and solo walkers alike.
Gibson Mill
Gibson Mill is a must-visit stop on your walk, located at the heart of Hardcastle Crags beside Hebden Water. This historic mill, operated by the National Trust, regularly hosts exhibitions showcasing the area's natural and industrial history.
The Weaving Shed Café serves delicious, ethically sourced food and drinks, providing a perfect spot to relax and refuel amid stunning woodland views. Don’t forget to visit the shop for unique souvenirs and locally crafted gifts.
Sylvia Plath’s grave
At the starting point in Heptonstall, you’ll find the grave of poet Sylvia Plath. Her grave is located in the churchyard of St. Thomas the Apostle, a peaceful place that attracts visitors from around the world.
White Lion pub
After your walk, head to the White Lion pub in Heptonstall for a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This traditional pub, with its charming stone exterior and cosy interior, serves a range of local ales and hearty meals, making it the perfect spot to unwind after your adventure.
Other things to see and do in Hebden Bridge
After your walk, neighbouring Hebden Bridge has so much to offer. Known for its vibrant arts scene, local markets, and independent shops, it’s a wonderful place to explore and make a full day of it. The town is famous for its quirky charm, making it a lovely end to a day of walking. Make sure you check out the local art galleries or pop into one of the many cosy pubs or cafés.
Getting to the starting point
Arriving by car
Parking is available at the Bowling Green Car Park in Heptonstall. Payment is by donation.
Public transport
You can reach Hebden Bridge from Manchester by train in under 30 minutes. From Hebden Bridge, Heptonstall is a short bus ride or walk up the hill.
✔️ Good to knows
Difficulty: This walk is moderately challenging, with some steep sections and uneven terrain. To navigate, you can use offline apps such as Komoot or download a GPX file for ease of tracking.
Accessibility: This is a carrier only route. There are some steep steps and rocky paths which aren’t suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. This route includes stiles.
Food and drink: Gibson Mill’s Weaving Shed Café offers delicious food made with locally-sourced ingredients. You’ll find the cafe mid route. We also visited Town Gate Tea Room at the start of the route, ideal for grabbing a coffee or snack before setting out. And if you’re looking to make an evening of it, you’ll find plenty of pubs and restaurants in Hebden Bridge after your hike.
Parking: We parked at The Bowling Green car park in Heptonstall.
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
BRONTE WATERFALL WALK, HAWORTH
Take a trip back in time on this popular waterfall and moorland walk
Start: Haworth Main Street, near the Brontë Parsonage Museum
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation: 400 feet
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot or download GPX file
About the route
This relaxed walk through the Haworth moorlands makes for an ideal day out, ending with beautiful views and historic locations tied to Brontë history. The walk from Haworth leads you across scenic moorlands, rich with Brontë history and captivating scenery. The route highlights both natural beauty and literary lore, including Top Withens—the inspiration behind Wuthering Heights—and the striking Brontë Waterfall.
Route difficulty
Walk type: Easy circular walk with limited elevation gain and some uneven paths
Parking: Village parking near Haworth Main Street or the Brontë Parsonage Museum
Walk highlights:
Haworth Village
The Cabinet of Curiosities
Wuthering Heights pub
Route highlights
Haworth
Your walk begins and ends in the enchanting village of Haworth, nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire’s Brontë Country. This historic village is famous as the home of the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—and is filled with cobbled streets, quaint shops, and atmospheric tea rooms that take you back to the Victorian era. Here, you’ll find the Brontë Parsonage Museum, where the sisters lived and wrote their novels, along with several charming cafes and boutiques perfect for exploring before or after your walk.
Don’t miss a visit to the Cabinet of Curiosities for a peek into local Victorian artifacts or the iconic Black Bull pub, often frequented by Branwell Brontë.
Bronte Waterfall
The Bronte Waterfall is a great place to rest on your way to Top Withens (Wuthering Heights), Alcomden Stones or Ponden Kirk (The Fairy Cave). Top Withens (also known as Top Withins) is a ruined farmhouse near which is said to have been the inspiration for the location of the Earnshaw family house in Wuthering Heights.
Just a short distance from Top Withens, this lovely waterfall cascades down the rocks and has long attracted visitors drawn by its natural beauty and historical ties. Charlotte Brontë is said to have found solace here, and it remains a serene spot for reflection or a quick picnic.
Top Withens
Perched atop the moors, Top Withens is reputedly the site that inspired Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Although the building itself is now a ruin, the sense of desolation and beauty is vivid. This spot offers panoramic views over the Yorkshire moors, best enjoyed on a breezy day to truly feel the spirit of the landscape. Originally known as ‘Top of th'Withens’, Top Withens is thought to have been built in the second half of the 16th century by George Bentley. At the time of the Brontës, it was inhabited by Jonas Sunderland and his wife Ann Crabtree (from 1811) and then their son, Jonas, with Mary Feather (from 1833). It was last inhabited by Ernest Roddy in 1926.
Today, it attracts literary fans from across the globe wanting to take a peek at Heathcliff’s house.
Cabinet of Curiosities
Back in Haworth, step into the Cabinet of Curiosities, a quirky little shop filled with Victorian oddities, local curios, and trinkets that evoke the historical and imaginative spirit of the village. It’s a treasure trove for those interested in the unique and unusual. This museum-like shop truly is like stepping foot in an old apothecary store, warmly lit by glass globes, fragranced with exotic oils, and packed from floor to ceiling with rich mahogany and glass display cases. Over the years the family-run business has taken on a true labour of love, salvaging many of the shops fittings from chemists, grocery shops and museums to replicate the ‘wonder-rooms’ of a time gone by.
You could easily spend a full day here, but we were dying to check out Bronte Waterfall and Top Withens, a ruined farmhouse which is thought to be the inspiration for Heathcliff’s home in Wuthering Heights.
Wuthering Heights Pub
End your walk at the Wuthering Heights pub in Stanbury, a cosy spot to enjoy a pint or a hot meal after a day on the moors. This traditional Yorkshire pub has rustic charm, providing a hearty menu and an atmosphere that perfectly complements a moody moorland adventure.
Options to extend the route
For a longer hike, consider adding a detour to nearby Ponden Kirk, a rocky outcrop believed to be the inspiration for Wuthering Heights’ Penistone Crags. This can turn the walk into a full day’s outing, with more moorland views and a touch of rock scrambling for the adventurous.
Where is Haworth?
Haworth is a picturesque village located in West Yorkshire, England, renowned worldwide as the home of the Brontë sisters, the celebrated authors of Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Situated near the larger town of Keighley and easily accessible from Leeds, Haworth is part of the scenic region known as Brontë Country, an area of natural beauty that inspired much of the sisters' work.
The village itself is home to many quaint tea rooms, souvenir shops and a few quirky pitstops you can’t afford to miss. Our favourite is The Cabinet of Curiosities, a traditional shop that’s been restored it to it's former glory as a Victorian druggists and apothecary shop.
Getting to the starting point
Arriving by car
There is limited parking along Main Street in Haworth, with additional spaces near the Brontë Parsonage Museum and pay-and-display lots available for a small fee.
Public transport
The Keighley Bus Company operates regular services to Haworth from Keighley, making it accessible by public transport from nearby towns. Check current schedules as timings vary, especially on weekends and holidays.
✔️ Good to knows
Difficulty: This walk has gentle climbs and is suitable for all abilities.
Accessibility: This is a carrier only route. There are some steep steps and rocky paths, particularly around the waterfall itself, which aren’t suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. This route includes stiles.
Navigation: The walk to the falls is pretty well signposted, and if you’re following our route on komoot you can’t go wrong.
Food and drink: Options are available in Haworth at the start and end of the walk, including tearooms, pubs, and the café at the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
Parking: Public parking lots are available near Haworth’s Main Street; charges vary. We parked in the main pay and display car park in Haworth.
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
WESSENDEN VALLEY LOOP
This 6 mile walk in the Wessenden Valley is perfect to save for a summer’s afternoon, featuring a trig, a wild dipping spot, and unspoilt views as far as the eye can see
Start: Wessenden Head Road Car Park, HD9 4EU
Distance: 5.89 miles
Duration: 2.5 hours
Elevation: 750 feet
Difficulty: Easy—Moderate
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file
Route Highlights:
Route details
This Wessenden Valley walk explores the valley and visits some of the waterfalls before heading up to West Nab. At 500m above sea level it’s one of the higher peaks in the Peak District and has amazing views over the moors. On the return leg, you’ll tackle the steep climb up to Raven Rocks, then scramble your way round to West Nab. There is a path running through the rocks which leads up to West Nab.
West Nab is a mystical place which has a history steeped in folklore. There are curious rock formations, including the Druid Stone which has three round indentations in, said to be seats for 3 priests to watch the sunrise before conducting a ritual.
West Nab Trig
Looking for the best place near Holmfirth to catch a sunset? You can’t go wrong with West Nab Trig. West Nab is one of the easiest trigs to bag, with parking closeby. While our walk first takes you deep into the valley (meaning there’s an ascent to get back up to West Nab on the return leg), you could easily plan a trip to West Nab itself without having to tackle the climb.
West Nab is a bit of a hidden gem in the Peak District. Being at the northern boundary of the Peak District, it’s not very well known, but a quick climb up the hill gives you incredible views over Huddersfield, Holmfirth, over to Saddleworth, Manchester and beyond.
The area also has a spirtual past. One of the largest rocks has three circular bowls and is thought to be the seat of three priests or druids. Whether this is true or not, it’s a beautiful and atmospheric place – well worth a visit. The area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and dogs are excluded. There is a sign on the stile warning you of this so if you are a dog owner, please skip out West Nab on the return leg.
Blakely Clough Waterfall
This beautiful waterfall is tucked away on the Pennine Way. The plunge pool is about 2m deep at the deepest spot, making it great for a mid-route wild dipping spot to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
Wessenden Valley
This circular walk over superb moorland starts up high from a parking area on Wessenden Head Road. The route drops gently across moorland with stunning views all the way to Deer Hill reservoir on the outskirts of Meltham. From here, a bridleway leads uphill to Wessenden Head Road, the first real climb on the walk. On a clear day the deer are out in the field and are a lovely sight.
Framing the landscape
Easily accessed from the parking layby on Wassenden Head Road, this frame is one of a series of open air art installations by Ashley Jackson in partnership with the National Trust. There are six frames in total, with another located at Holme Moss car park. The views in this frame points towards Wassenden Head Reservoir and are simply stunning.
Getting to the Wessenden Valley
Reaching the Wessenden Valley is most convenient by car. This circular walk over superb moorland starts up high from a parking area on Wessenden Head Road. Driving time from Manchester is around 40 mins.
If you’re arriving by public transport, you can take the train to Greenfield then board the 352 bus from Stop D towards Wessenden Head Road. The bus stops a 5 min walk away from the starting point.
Good to knows
Hazards: With an absence of footpaths on the final stretch of the return leg, it's necessary to return to the parking area along the grass verges of Wessenden Head Road. Take care as cars travel at speed on this road.
Footwear: The area around West Nab Trig can get incredibly boggy after rainfall, so definitley boot up for this one if you’re including West Nab in the route.
Food and drink: There are no facilities along this route, but you’ll find plenty in nearby Holmfirth and Meltham. You’ll also find Snoopy's snack van on the A635 Holmfirth to Greenfield road at the junction with Wessenden Head Road. The Huntsman Inn and The Ford Inn are on the A635 towards Holmfirth. Shops, cafes and pubs available in both Meltham and Holmfirth.
Parking: We parked at the car park on Wessenden Head Road (free of charge). This is a small, rough car park with space for 8-10 cars, but there are also roadside spaces nearby.
Wild swimming: You’ll find a wild dipping spot around half way round at Blakely Clough Waterfall, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer’s day.
BRONTE WATERFALL WALK, HAWORTH
Take a trip back in time on this popular Howarth waterfall walk…
Start: Bronte Village, Haworth, BD22 8QN
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Elevation: 400 feet
Navigation: follow the route here
Lace up your walking shoes and let the echoes of Wuthering Heights guide the way as you explore the landscape that inspired some of the most iconic works in English literature.
Haworth
The village itself is home to many quaint tea rooms, souvenir shops and a few quirky pitstops you can’t afford to miss. Our favourite is The Cabinet of Curiosities, a traditional shop that’s been restored it to it's former glory as a Victorian druggists and apothecary shop.
Cabinet of Curiosities
The museum-like shop truly is like stepping foot in an old apothecary store, warmly lit by glass globes, fragranced with exotic oils, and packed from floor to ceiling with rich mahogany and glass display cases. Over the years the family-run business has taken on a true labour of love, salvaging many of the shops fittings from chemists, grocery shops and museums to replicate the ‘wonder-rooms’ of a time gone by.
You could easily spend a full day here, but we were dying to check out Bronte Waterfall and Top Withens, a ruined farmhouse which is thought to be the inspiration for Heathcliff’s home in Wuthering Heights.
Bronte Waterfall and Top Withens
The Bronte Waterfall is a great place to rest on your way to Top Withens (Wuthering Heights), Alcomden Stones or Ponden Kirk (The Fairy Cave). Top Withens (also known as Top Withins) is a ruined farmhouse near which is said to have been the inspiration for the location of the Earnshaw family house in Wuthering Heights.
Originally known as ‘Top of th'Withens’, Top Withens is thought to have been built in the second half of the 16th century by George Bentley. At the time of the Brontës, it was inhabited by Jonas Sunderland and his wife Ann Crabtree (from 1811) and then their son, Jonas, with Mary Feather (from 1833). It was last inhabited by Ernest Roddy in 1926.
On 18 May 1893, Top Withens was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. Holes were made in the wall, the roof was partially torn off, flags were cracked, and around 30 windows were almost completely removed. Today, it attracts literary fans from across the globe, each wanting to take a peek at Heathcliff’s house.
Nature, literature, and history truly converge in this short walk, inviting you to experience the setting that inspired some of the most enduring works in English literature. Let the words of the Brontës echo in the Yorkshire winds—here, among the moors and waterfalls, the stories truly come alive.
Fancy giving this one a go? Follow the route here
SCAMMONDEN WATER WALK
Short on time but want to get your Sunday steps in? Then take a trip to this idyllic reservoir just off the M62…
Start: Scammonden Water Car Park, HX6 4LD
Distance: 3.4 miles
Duration: 1 hour
Elevation: 250 feet
Navigation: follow the route here
Tucked away in the foothills of West Yorkshire, Scammonden Water offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This stunning little spot is surrounded by some of Yorkshire’s finest landscapes, and with the route itself clocking up just 3 miles, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk.
Looking for a quieter but more adventurous walk? Head up to Deanhead Reservoir where the surrounds are spectacular and the views plentiful.
Good-to-knows:
Parking: Free parking at Scammonden Reservoir car park, HX6 4LD
Transport: For those needing to use public transport, you can take a train from Manchester to Huddersfield then transfer to a local bus service. There is a bus stop on Saddleworth Road/Church Lane which is 0.8 miles from the Western side of the reservoir. Check train and bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Extend the route: Why not walk along the Standedge Trail or head to nearby Marsden Moor? Both locations are perfect for a full day’s adventure.
Places to eat: Peaks, canals, valleys, reservoirs… and plenty of places to rest your legs — Marsden has it all. Stop off at the nearby village and explore a wealth of outdoor delights and a rich industrial heritage.
Fancy giving this one a go? Follow our route step-by-step here
DIGLEY RESERVOIR
Wander alongside woods, through fields and up on the the moor on our Digley walk
Start: Digley Quarry Car Park, (nearest postcode HD9 2QD).
Distance: 5.38 miles
Elevation: 700 feet
Duration: 2 hours
Navigation: follow step-by-step
Located just outside the lovely town of Holmfirth, a walk up to Blackpool Bridge around the outskirts of Digley Reservoir makes a very enjoyable escape into some of Yorkshire’s most glorious countryside. Legend has it that the name Blackpool Bridge comes from the black pools below the bridge that once upon a time local people used to swim in.
This easy going five-mile circular walk will reward you with stunning views across the tops and down into the valley surrounding. You’ll walk through some typical Yorkshire scenes across moorland paths and streams, along lanes and drystone walls in the company of nothing but sheep. Have a well-earned rest and maybe a picnic alongside the Blackpool Bridge along the way, taking a moment to breathe in the fresh air and soak up the peaceful setting.
To begin your journey, park at Digley Quarry Car Park close to the reservoir. The car park is free, but be sure to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and public holidays. As you start your walk, take a moment to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding moorlands.
From here, you’ll follow the footpath towards Digley Reservoir, following the footpath that skirts the reservoir. On a sunny day, Digley Reservoir creates picturesque scene you won't soon forget.
Continue your walk towards the moorlands, following the well-marked trail that winds its way through the heather and bracken. The moorlands offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, with panoramic vistas stretching for miles in every direction. Take a moment to catch your breath and appreciate the stunning beauty of this unique landscape.
About half way, you’ll find Blackpool Bridge — a great place to pause and take in the beauty of the moorland surrounding. The wooden footbridge sits high above the streams underneath, which flow through Dean Clough and Reap Hill Clough, join here before flowing down through Marsden Clough and into nearby Bilberry Reservoir.
It's quite a steep climb away from the bridge, but fortunately not a very long one. You are soon at the top of the hill and then into the heather-covered open moorland. As you walk along here, the hills in front of you carry the Pennine Way as it climbs towards the desolate peat-bog of Black Hill just to the south.
After dropping down to cross the stream at Hey Clough, there is then a short climb to reach the ruler-straight track known as Issues Road. As you walk along here, there are wonderful long-distance views to the east. The skyline is dominated by Emley Moor television transmitter, but on a clear day you can see the power stations at Ferrybridge and Drax, some forty miles away.
From here, you’ll travel along the outskirts of the reservoir and back up to the quarry at the starting point. Alternativley, if you want to take a short detour into Holme village, there’s a lovely pub called The Fleece which serves great food.
If you manage to resist the temptation of the villlage pub, it’s just a short walk alongside Digley Reservoir before we climb back the starting point.. and that’s it! Your easygoing, 5-mile walk complete.
Fancy giving it a go yourself? Follow our route here
BEST WALKS NORTH YORKSHIRE: KILBURN WHITE HORSE
If you’re after a walk that has it all - from hidden lakes to cosy pubs - this route in North York Moors won’t disappoint
Start: Kilburn, YO61 4AH
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation: 875 feet
Duration: 2-3 hours
Navigation: Follow the route here
Tired of the same old boring treadmill walks? Want to spice up your exercise routine and take in some breathtaking views at the same time? Look no further than the North York Moors. The North York Moors is a beautiful and diverse area of natural beauty — making for a great base to explore the stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich history of the region.
Walking in the North York Moors is like taking a step back in time. The rolling hills, lush green countryside, and charming villages will transport you to a simpler, more peaceful era. But don't let the idyllic scenery fool you, this area is also home to some serious natural beauty.
One of the must-see landmarks on a walk in the North York Moors is the Kilburn White Horse. This impressive hill figure, carved into the side of a hill, is believed to have been created in the 18th century and is a true marvel to behold. The best part? You can burn some calories and work those leg muscles while hiking up to get a closer look.
After you've had your fill of the Kilburn White Horse, head over to Gormire Lake for a more serene walking experience. This beautiful lake is surrounded by woods and heathland, and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the diverse range of plants and animals that call it home. Plus, the flat footpaths make it a great option for those who aren't quite ready for a mountain hike… as long as you start at the white horse, that is. Our route starts just below and features a steady (and breathy) climb up to the start.
The origins of the Kilburn White Horse are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been created in the 18th century. Some historians believe that it was created by a local farmer as a tribute to King George III, who was the reigning monarch at the time. Others believe that it was created by a group of local residents as a way to promote the area and attract tourists.
Over the years, the Kilburn White Horse has undergone several renovations and repairs. In 1857, a group of local residents formed the Kilburn White Horse Preservation Society, which was responsible for maintaining the horse and ensuring that it remained visible to the public. In the early 20th century, the horse was re-cut and re-chalked to ensure that it remained visible.
Today, the Kilburn White Horse is a popular destination for walkers and visitors to the North York Moors. It's a fascinating piece of history, and a testament to the enduring popularity of this ancient art form. The horse stands as a symbol of the area's rich history and culture, and a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
So next time you're considering a stroll up in’t the North York Moors, make sure to stop by the Kilburn White Horse and take a closer look. Not only is it a great workout for the ol’ legs, but a novel way to experience a piece of history that’s stood the test of time.
From the Gormire Lake to cosy country pub The Forresters Arms, the North York Moors is the perfect destination for nature lovers and pub dwellers alike. So scribble that gym sesh out your diary and head to the North York Moors for a walk you'll never forget. Trust me, your legs (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
Ready to get going? Follow the route here
BEST WALKS WEST YORKSHIRE: LUMB FALLS
Lumb Falls, located just above the charming Hebden Bridge, is a hidden gem that’s not to be missed.
Start: Bowling Green Car Park, Heptonstall
Distance: 6.7 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 1,250 feet
Navigation: follow the route here
Nestled in a lush, green valley surrounded by rolling hills that look out onto nearby Heptonstall, this picturesque waterfall is the perfect spot for a peaceful and idyllic walk.
The walk to Lumb Falls is fairly easy, with well-marked trails that lead you through fields and wooded areas. The route takes you along a small stream, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. As you approach the falls, the sound of rushing water becomes louder and louder, until you finally reach the viewing platform where you can take in the full majesty of the falls.
After taking in the beauty of the falls, you can continue your walk along the winding path that follows the river. The path takes you through a peaceful wooded area, where you may spot a variety of wildlife.
As you make your way back to the starting point, it's worth stopping off at the nearby village of Heptonstall for a bite to eat and a drink. The village is home to a number of charming pubs and restaurants, including the friendly and welcoming The Cross Inn country pub. Here you can sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy a refreshing drink and a hearty meal, surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Lumb Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. The walk is easy and the views are breathtaking, and the nearby village of Hebden Bridge offers a charming and welcoming place to stop off afterwards. So if you're in the area, be sure to add Lumb Falls to your itinerary – you won't be disappointed!
Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life or simply want to appreciate the beauty of nature, a walk through Lumb Falls is an experience you won't soon forget.
If you're feeling more adventurous, why not try the Hebden Hey Trail? This challenging route takes you through the heart of the Pennine hills, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is around 13 miles in total, so it's best suited to experienced walkers.
No matter what your fitness level or interests, there's a walking route in Hebden Bridge to suit you. So pack your walking boots, grab your camera, and discover the beauty of this charming village on foot.
Fancy giving this one a go? Follow the route here
UPHILL CHALLENGES:
WALKS WITH WATERFALLS:
