Like exploring our beautiful county? So do we! We love getting out in nature and exploring and these circular walks in West Yorkshire are perfect for doing just that.
Weather you’re wanting to take a stroll along the famous Leeds and Liverpool Canal, get out into the moors, or take a stroll in the woodlands West Yorkshire has something for everyone.
1. Bingley Five Rise Locks To Saltaire
Known as one of the seven wonders of the waterways, the Leeds and Liverpool canals Bingley Five Rise Locks are a sight to be held and a fantastic place for a walk.
The rise locks, a grade I listed building, were opened in 1774 and is the steepest staircase lock in the country with a gradient of 1:5 and a rise of 59ft over a distance of 320ft.
The walk takes you along the canal path from the train station and has plenty to keep you entertained along the way including wonderful wildlife, the locks themselves, and brilliant murals.
2. Marsden Moor And Wessenden Reservoir
Marsden Moors is a special area of West Yorkshire. The reservoirs are a fantastic sight and very popular with hikers with the trail open all year round.
There is plenty of natural beauty in the area which sits along the Pennine Way. Along the route, you’ll take in some breathtaking views and if you’d like to do a shorter walk to the 11.6km, there are other routes to do.
Best of all back in Marsden, there are some fantastic pubs to enjoy a well-earned bevvie after you’ve explored the wilderness of West Yorkshire.
3. Farnley Tyas And Castle Hill
Castle Hill is iconic when it comes to the Huddersfield skyline and this walk. Castle Hill is an ancient monument that stands prominent. The area saw growth during the textile industrial revolution but is more than just mill towns.
The walk takes in the beautiful countryside around Huddersfield weaving its way through fields, and history starting at Farnley Tyas up to Castle Hill and back around.
4. Haworth To Top Withens
Haworth is set within Bronte country and, even if you just visited the village, you’d be left satisfied. The area has a great mixture of feeling untouched with all the amenities such as great food and beer that you’d want from a day trip.
The walk talks take you to Top Withins, a ruin, which may have been the inspiration for the classic novel Wuthering Heights. Other points of interest include the Brone Bridge, waterfalls, and the windswept moorlands. It’s an easy walk, so is perfect all year round.
5. Newmillerdam Country Park
Located near Wakefield the walk is just shy of 3km and is great for a dog, walking bird watching or just looking after for general nature. It’s a local nature reserve so there is plenty going on.
During spring you can enjoy the bluebells in the woodland area. The walk includes a central lake that you make your way around so it’s pretty straightforward. You start from the car park at the northern end of the park and make your way round.
6. Standedge Circuit Walk
Another walk located along the Marsden Moors, the challenging walk takes in part of the Pennine Way and allows you to discover valleys reservoirs and open moorland.
You’ll wander along the South Pennines which stretch from the Peak District to the Yorkshire Dales via deep valleys and sprawling moors. The Pennines also joins the Lancashire and Yorkshire rivals.
The walk used old canal towpaths, moorland paths, and packhorse routes in order to explore the western regions of the village.
7. Tong And Fulneck
Found on the south side of Pudsey, the walk takes in the old green roads, bridleways, and country lanes of old settlements at Fulneck.
The route is a delightful walk where you will take in a range of scenery including Black Carr Wood, and plenty of wildlife including herons, woodpeckers, roe deer, and more which is just what you want when you’re heading out on a walk.
Read More: 5 Of The Most Idyllic Canal Walks In West Yorkshire
8. Judy Woods
One of the forest circular walks in West Yorkshire, Judy Woods is a small stretch of the forest that once stretched to the Midlands and is now flanked by Bradford and Halifax.
As the valley was so steep the area was saved from being cleared for agriculture, which is all the better for us who now get to explore it.
The area was used to supply raw material for the Low Moor Iron Company, so there is still remnants of a wagonway still visible today.
9. Secret Waterfall & Priestley Green
One of the most famous spots in the UK for a wild swim, this Yorkshire walk is especially enjoyable in the warm summer months and offers up some spectacular views.
Just near Halifax, the spot is a great location to enjoy a dip amid lush woodland listening to birdsong and the silence away from the throng of the outside world.
10. Harewood House
Located just outside of Leeds in a village called Harewood, the estate is 1,000 acres and offers up great circular public footpaths around the grounds with the chance to see all kinds of deer.
The walk is a 5-mile circular route that takes in some fantastic wildlife and has a great cafe Muddy Boots Cafe, for you to grab a drink and some food afterward.
11. Ilkley Moor
One of the most famous parts of Yorkshire, Ilkley Moor found on the outskirts of Leeds is a picturesque piece of moorland that overlooks the market town of Ilkley and is one of the best circular Walks in West Yorkshire.
It’s perfect for photographs with the cow and calf structure making for a great old picture with the heather bringing the snap to life. There are usually sheep lolling around also.
12. Eccup Reservoir
Another one of the circular walks in West Yorkshire that is just outside of Leeds. It is ideal for families and passes through woodlands and the quaint village of Eccup.
The reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and it is important for birds. It is a great place to see the red kite which was recently saved from extinction. in the UK.
Read More: 6 Of The Most Beautiful Nature Walks In West Yorkshire
