Yorkshire’s winter walks within an hour of Leeds offer a variety of scenic options. Experience the magical Wessenden Valley Walk, the cultural Brontë Walk, the serene Nostell Priory Obelisk Walk, the secluded Lydgate Circular, or the breathtaking Ilkley Moor Circular, each providing a unique and memorable winter adventure.
What are the top winter walks within an hour of Leeds?
- The Wessenden Valley Walk: A linear 8-mile walk starting in Marsden, showcasing reservoirs and Pennine scenery.
- The Brontë Walk: An 8-mile trek around Haworth, featuring the Brontë Parsonage Museum and Brontë Waterfall.
- Nostell Priory Obelisk Walk: A serene 2-mile route starting at Nostell Priory, perfect for a shorter stroll.
- The Lydgate Circular: A moderate 4.3-mile walk near Todmorden with beautiful moorland views.
- The Ilkley Moor Circular: A 6.3-mile trail starting at West View Park, passing iconic landmarks like the Cow and Calf rocks.
The season of winter brings not just the chill but also the perfect opportunity for scenic walks. Yorkshire, with its diverse landscapes, presents a plethora of options for those looking to immerse themselves in nature’s wintry embrace. Below are five invigorating walks, all conveniently located within an hour’s journey from Leeds. They each offer unique vistas and experiences, promising to make your winter wanderings truly memorable.
The Wessenden Valley Walk
In the true spirit of winter’s magic, the Wessenden Valley Walk is a linear 8-mile treasure that starts in the town of Marsden. “Just 45-minutes from Leeds, this walk is where the Pennines meet the Peaks,” offering a spectacle of snow-kissed scenery as you journey past Butterley, Blakely, Wessenden, and Wessenden Head reservoirs. The walk culminates at Wessenden Head, where you can choose to retrace your steps back to the warmth of Marsden’s local hospitality. Begin this adventure at the Marsden Moor Estate Office, The Old Goods Yard, Station Road, Marsden, West Yorkshire, HD7 6DH. Check out the route.
The Brontë Walk
Immersing oneself in the landscape that inspired Yorkshire’s literary icons, the Brontë sisters, is a must. This 8-mile walk around Haworth starts at The Fleece Inn, “about 50 minutes from Leeds.” Your path will take you past the Lower Laithe Reservoir to the Brontë Parsonage Museum. Highlighted by the Brontë Waterfall, your return will be as enriching as the outward journey. It’s a route steeped in cultural heritage, bringing the past to life with every step. The walk starts at The Fleece Inn, 67 Main Street, Haworth, West Yorkshire, BD22 8DA. Check out the route.
Nostell Priory Obelisk Walk
For those preferring a shorter jaunt, “the Nostell Priory Obelisk Walk is an easygoing 2-mile route.” Located approximately 30 minutes from Leeds, this walk begins at the grand Nostell Priory and leads past its picturesque boathouse and lake. The path continues along the original carriage way to the Obelisk Lodge, offering a serene winter vista that is postcard-perfect. The walk starts at Nostell Priory courtyard, Doncaster Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE. There is a parkland entrance free of charge, with car parking at a fee of £5 for non-members. Check out the route.
The Lydgate Circular
“The Lydgate Circular offers a slice of rare seclusion,” found in the tranquil moorlands near Todmorden, which is roughly 55 minutes from Leeds. This walk is a moderate 4.3-mile trek that includes a 200-metre climb promising expansive snowy views. The Hawk Stones and the Great Bride Stones are two notable gritstone outcrops you’ll encounter, with sheep often spotted roaming nearby. The walk starts at the foot of Stoney Royd Lane, Lydgate, Todmorden, West Yorkshire, OL14 8EP. Check out the route.
The Ilkley Moor Circular
For those residing in Leeds, the Ilkley Moor Circular is an ideal choice. This 6.3-mile walk, “one of the best winter walks you can do,” starts at West View Park and passes through landmarks like White Wells, the Twelve Apostles, and the iconic Cow and Calf rocks. The moorland, often snow-draped in winter, transforms into a breathtaking panorama that’s not to be missed. The walk starts at West View Park, 3 College Drive, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9TY. Check out the route.
As you set out on these walks, remember that Yorkshire’s winter weather can be unpredictable. It’s essential to prepare accordingly by dressing in warm layers, equipping yourself with sturdy footwear, and always checking the weather forecast before departure. These walks are not only routes through the countryside but pathways into Yorkshire’s heart, where each step echoes the history, literature, and natural beauty that define this region. Whether you’re a solitary rambler or a family looking for an outdoor adventure, these winter walks around Leeds promise to invigorate the senses and provide a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- The Wessenden Valley Walk is a linear 8-mile walk starting in Marsden, showcasing reservoirs and Pennine scenery.
- The Brontë Walk is an 8-mile trek around Haworth, featuring the Brontë Parsonage Museum and Brontë Waterfall.
- Nostell Priory Obelisk Walk is a serene 2-mile route starting at Nostell Priory, perfect for a shorter stroll.
- The Lydgate Circular is a moderate 4.3-mile walk near Todmorden with beautiful moorland views.
- The Ilkley Moor Circular is a 6.3-mile trail starting at West View Park, passing iconic landmarks like the Cow and Calf rocks.