Winter is upon, and it is easy to sit inside and forget about exercise and fresh air. But, with us all in lockdown, fresh air is needed now more than ever. So get your boots and wellies on and head out the house for your daily exercise. West Yorkshire nature walks have a lot to offer. Rolling hills, waterfalls and spectacular open countryside are just what the doctor ordered. So why not get out this weekend and take in all that West Yorkshire has to offer?
Make sure that you only visit these areas if they’re close by, making sure you stick to the new lockdown guidance.
1. Bronte Country, Haworth
This walk is a nice easy jaunt enables you take in beautiful moorland scenery, a gushing waterfall, and – at the right time of year – a carpet of heather – which covers the hillside. Made famous by the Bronte sisters, there is plenty of things that make this one a part of our West Yorkshire walks list. You can take in the beautiful Bronte Waterfall, Bronte Bridge and wander along the cobbled paths. Located near Keighley you can choose to do a circular walk around the Penistone circular park, or a walk from the Haworth main street.
2. Stanza Stones Trail
Set on the Pennines – the poetry walk was made as a part of the Ilkley Literature Festival and features six stanzas written by Poet Laurette and Yorkshireman, Simon Armitage. It is perfect for kids as they can enjoy looking for the stones along the trail, while you admire the view. Although, you will have to do it in stages as it is 47-miles long from Marsden, the hometown of the poet, to Ilkley.
3. Golden Acre Park
Situated in North Leeds this walk is a perfect walk for families, dog walkers as well as experienced ramblers as well. The circular route is 5.4 miles long and is flat – it has options for short selections that take in the beautiful gardens. There is a lovely cafe that can be enjoyed when there isn’t a lockdown – you would have to check if it is open throughout the lockdown. The walk is beautiful for those wanting to enjoy nature as it has parkland, lakes, streams, ponds and woodland. It’s one we’ve been on many a time and well worth a visit.
4. Ilkley Moor
Sitting on the outskirts of Ilkley is the vast moorland – there are plenty of walking options to choose from which will keep you busy. A few points of interest on the moor are the Twelve Apostles, Cow & Calf and Ilkley Tarn. We tend to park up at the Cow & Calf free car park and take it from there. It’s a short walk up the hill to the Cow & Calf gritstone. You can then head out to Ilkley Tarn where you’ll find on the walk rocky streams and the plunge pool of White Wells.
5. Castle Hill
Castle Hill, home to the Victoria Tower is just south of Huddersfield and is a lovely piece of countryside to explore. The rivers and streams that helped Yorkshire become a textiles powerhouse in the industrial revolution weave their way through fields, woods and hilly land. You can start your walk in Farnley Tyas then head towards the iconic tower. The walk is around 4-miles long round trip so just the right length for a nice jaunt.
6. Harewood
Harewood is an amazing place to visit – when lockdown isn’t on it has a great house that was featured on the brilliant Downton Abbey. The house sits on a huge 4,000 acres of land that are free to explore. You can enjoy a 5-mile walk starting at the Muddy Boots Cafe. On the walk, you can enjoy the beauty that the land has to offer including a chance to spot deer that have lived in the area since the medieval era.
Read More: The 6 Most Beautiful Villages To Visit In West Yorkshire
