Area: Yorkshire West Riding

'The beautiful Yorkshire countryside, with its gently sloping hills, valleys and amazing scenic views, is home to some of England's greatest abbeys. The Abbey Trail links seven of these historic buildings at Kirkstall, Fountains, Byland, Rievaulx, Lastingham, Rosedale and Whitby into a great long distance path with an ecclesiastical and historical theme.'

Walking Pages

The Abbey Trail  Clive Newsome (Sigma Press, 2003).

'Named after Peter Abbott, its originator, links 25 miles of the Dales Way, 14 miles of the Three Peaks Walk and three miles of the Pennine Way National Trail to provide a route from Yorkshire to the Lake District. The walking is classed as challenging and is on upland and moorland and it certainly is that.'

The Walking Englishman

'Peaceful route through Leeds and out past Kirkstall Abbey, Bramley Fall, Rodley, Calverley Woods, Apperley Bridge, Buck Wood at Thackley, Shipley, Hirst Wood, Dowley Gap and the Three and Five Rise Locks at Bingley.'

Sustrans

'The idea behind the Airedale Way is that it provides a link between Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales by following, as far as possible, riverside paths.'

The Airedale Way by Douglas Cossar

'The Baildon Plan, first put together by Baildon Town Council, following much public consultation in 2011, included an aspiration for Baildon to achieve the designation of becoming a Walkers are Welcome town. A steering group of local residents with a keen interest in walking and the countryside was established and set out to demonstrate that we met the criteria for achieving national designation. In 2013 Baildon was awarded Walkers are Welcome status, thanks to its fantastic countryside location and abundance of routes for walkers of all abilities.'

'Baildon is a fantastic place to walk. Although Skipton claims the title "Gateway to the Dales", many think that Baildon could just as easily hold that accolade.'

Member of the Ramblers - South Yorks & N E Derbyshire Area Grouping

'Twelve short walks joined together to form a continuous route of 73 miles (117Km) in length. This walk mainly runs through the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley but also passes through parts of Kirklees, Wakefield, Doncaster and Sheffield.'

Stocksbridge Walkers are Welcome

Barnsley Boundary Walk [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'Here in Barnsley we have a range of fantastic places to walk, from countryside footpaths bordering the Peak District, to multi-user trails such as the Trans Pennine Trail. There are paths through woodlands, parkland, reservoir trails and nature reserves. There's something to suit everyone so just pick a route, or find a group ... '

'Barnsley Council is responsible for managing 750km of public footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways across the Barnsley Borough ... You can view public rights of way in Barnsley on our Interactive Map. Click on a path to see its number, parish and status.'

Barnsley Council

'The town and surrounding area, situated in verdant Airedale, is very accessible thanks to its two rail stations (Bingley and Crossflatts) and good bus links. It offers great walks for those who love the great outdoors, of all ages and abilities.'

'This diverse landscape on the edge of the Peak District celebrates its natural, cultural and industrial heritage with grit and charm.'

Stocksbridge Walkers are Welcome

'A walk across Black Hill And Saddleworth Moors which visits some of the wettest bogs on the Pennines.'

Vermuyden (South Yorks) LDWA

'The Parish Council has published a selection of circular walks which ... you will be able to print off and take with you on your walk. They are all included in the new Welcome Pack which we hope to give to all newcomers to the village. ...'

'Bradfield village’s excellent location on the northwest fringes of the Peak District, with close proximity to long-distance trails and a superb variety of shorter walks around local villages, and spectacular reservoirs means that it has something special to offer walkers, whether visitors or local residents.'

'Without doubt Bradford CHA Rambling and Social Club is one of the most successful Rambling Clubs in Britain. One does not need to look far to understand why the club is so successful.  I believe the reason is because of the effort put into the Club by so many people, past and present, giving their time freely and without asking for reward ...'

'The purpose of this Guided Walks programme is primarily to introduce people to walking in the Bradford District. You may be surprised at the variety of landscape and wildlife to be experienced both in the countryside that we have, and in the urban areas ... '

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

'A mile long walk along Leeds road in Bradford City Centre exploring the places of worship of different faiths.'

'The Forum’s members are volunteers appointed to give a broad mix of interests including countryside visitors, landowners and occupiers, parish councils, nature conservation and other relevant subjects. Up to three Councillors from the Local Authority may also be members of the LAF ... There are currently vacancies for members who could represent the countryside access interests of landowners, businesses and minority groups.'

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

'Circular walk encompassing much of the idyllic countryside that surrounds the City of Bradford in West Yorkshire. The walk was devised by five volunteers from the Bradford Countryside Service as a suitable way for Bradford to commemorate the new millennium.'

Member of the Ramblers - West Riding Area Grouping

'The route has been devised to provide a link to the start of the Dalesway long distance path at Ilkley. It also offers a good recreational linear walk with good public transport links to get you back to your start point.'

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

'A self guided walk around some of Bradford's sculptures.' The colourful Brochure gives details of about forty sculptures around and about Bradford.

Visit Bradford

'Spectacularly restored to their full Victorian splendour, the gardens are home to a collection of grand gardens in miniature, filled with colourful seasonal plantings and displays. Stroll through the statue walks, the fern dell grotto and the beautiful wild rose dell.'

English Heritage

'Long distance footpath which starts at Oakwell Hall ("Fieldhead" in Charlotte Bronte's novel "Shirley") near Birstall in Kirklees near Bradford, and ends at Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham near Burnley in Lancashire's Pendle Witch Country. '

A complete description of the Brontë Way, including historical information and details of eleven circular walks along the main route can be found in The Brontë Way by Marje Wilson.

Eagle Intermedia's Bronte Country

'Burley-in-Wharfedale is superbly situated for walking and also for those who prefer to run! Surrounded by fields and meadows and with the River Wharfe passing close to the village centre, the area is rich in wildlife ... The surrounding countryside is wonderful walking territory, with numerous footpaths accessing Burley and Baildon Moors to the south, Ilkley and Addingham Moors to the West, the Chevin Country Park to the East, and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the North ... '

'Crossing 3 counties (West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire), the Cal-Der-Went walk links the rivers Calder with the Derwent and was devised by Geoffrey Carr in the 1970s.'

Visit Penistone

'The navigation, which is part-canal and part-river, connects the Yorkshire and Pennine canals, and provides easy access for walking in the Pennines. Canal enthusiasts will appreciate the unusual waterways architecture, including quirky lever-operated locks.'

Canal & River Trust

Calder and Hebble Navigation [Wikipedia] | Calder & Hebble Navigation [Milestone Society] (7 miles)

'Calderdale Council serves the towns of Brighouse, Elland, Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden.'

'Up to 2003, Calderdale Council had a small group of "Tourist Guides" supported by their Tourism Unit which operated a limited summer programme covering some of Calderdale's towns and villages. When local authority funding was withdrawn in 2003, that group was disbanded. But half a dozen people came together, agreed that such walks ought to continue and they were prepared to start their own group. They planned a modest programme for summer 2004 and that was the start of Calderdale Heritage Walks as an independent walks organisation ... '

Calderdale Heritage Walks

'Calderdale has the largest density of Open Access Land of any district access authority in England. Its access facilities also include a very high density of public rights of way, the National Trust land at Hardcastle Craggs, Yorkshire Water access facilities and much more.'

Calderdale Council

'The Borough of Calderdale has a network of around 2000 paths including 125 miles of bridleways, along with a very short network of byways open to all traffic. Some of these paths are one of the best ways of seeing Calderdale's countryside while others provide useful short cuts to your local shops, bus stop or other services. You can see most of the rights of way network using Calderdale Maps Online although this should not be relied on for legal purposes.'

Calderdale Council

Member of the Ramblers - West Riding Area Grouping

'Walk exploring the hills, moors and valleys of Calderdale. It is an "up and down" journey with few level sections. The higher levels, however, provide some exceptionally fine panoramic views.'

Heart of the Pennines

CREW Heart Support Group

'If Cawthorne was situated in the Cotswolds or even the Yorkshire Dales, it would be a tourist "honeypot", as it is it remains one of South Yorkshire's treasures and a vital lung for the more developed local areas.'

'The Countryside and Rights of Way Service aims to protect, enhance, promote and inform responsible public enjoyment of Bradford's natural environment and rights of way network. The Countryside of Bradford covers over 140 square miles (375 square km) and includes some of the finest and most distinctive landscapes in the region ...'

Named because the route the authors devised ran 'roughly parallel to the route taken by the Coastliner bus and we used that bus each day to get back to our parked car'. However, subsequently, 'the Coastliner 845 bus route from Staxton to Filey and Bridlington has been cancelled as from 1st July 2018 ... This means that Walks 21, 22 and 23 of the Coastliner Way can no longer be completed using the Coastliner bus. However, if you do wish to follow these three sections of the trail it will be possible to do so using a two car system by parking one car at the end of the day’s walk'.

John and Nancy Eckersley

Coastliner

Report of a walk of 'thirteen miles of fascinating wayfaring in the beautiful South Pennine countryside of Kirklees, West Yorkshire. A walk full of history by moor and mill, clough and canal, weaver's cottage and ancient hamlet'.

Halfway Hike

Colne Valley Circular Walk [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'Aims to maintain and repair Rights of Way and permissive paths in the Upper Calder and Ryburn valleys and to report to the local council on the condition of the Rights of Way network.'

'Members of the Milestone Society are leading a group of local community organisations in establishing the "Crossing the Pennines" Heritage Trail in the scenic valley of the River Colne in Yorkshire. Our trail showcases the travel and transport history that shaped the West Riding ...'

The Milestone Society

'This scenic park raises above the surrounding area so fabulous views over the RSPB's Edderthorpe Ings reserves and for many miles into the distance can be enjoyed as you wander round this wild green space. Keep an eye open for the intricate wooden sculptures which celebrate both the site's mining heritage and bright new future as community park. Ferrymoor Flash, a small lake (or large pond) which is separated from the main part of the site, should not be missed when visiting the site because of the fantastic range of wildlife such as swans, shelducks, tufted duck and a colourful variety of butterflies that inhabits this small wetland area.'

The Land Trust

'Across the glorious high country of the Yorkshire Dales. Walk this spectacular landscape from Saltaire to Appleby-in-Westmorland ... and back on England's most beautiful train journey along the Settle-Carlisle line.'

Friends of A Dales High Way

Published Guides available from Skyware Press

'Long distance footpath of about 80 miles (128 km) situated in the north of England and running from Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere.'

The Dales Way Association

Member of the Ramblers - South Yorks & N E Derbyshire Area Grouping

'The River Dearne is a river in South Yorkshire, England. It flows roughly east for more than 30 kilometres (19 mi), from its source just inside West Yorkshire, through Denby Dale, Clayton West, Darton, Barnsley, Darfield, Wath upon Dearne, Bolton on Dearne, Adwick upon Dearne and Mexborough to its confluence with the River Don at Conisbrough ... The upper Dearne is followed by the Dearne Way, a footpath through the countryside from Dearne Head to Barnsley. The lower Dearne Valley is confusingly now also called Dearne Valley and is a regeneration area.'

'The walking opportunites around here are excellent, so we hope you'll come and explore the area if you are not local! The leaflets include maps and provide details of local transport, places of interest, local history, etc. '

'The club was founded in 1948 under the auspices of the Holiday Fellowship, now known as HF Holidays, to whom we are affiliated, and has a wide cross section of membership from all parts of Doncaster. The Club aims to provide, in good company, opportunities for the healthy enjoyment of countryside and the open air.'

'We generally meet every 4 weeks on a Sunday at 8.00am at the Market Car Park for a full day out, and enjoy a variety of interesting walks all over the area, from the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Yorkshire Wolds, East Coast and Peak District, to walks around historic sites and geological features, and finishing in historic towns or pretty villages ... We are an adult Fell Walking Club and as such everyone must have a sense of Personal Responsibility.'

Member of the Ramblers - South Yorks & N E Derbyshire Area Grouping

'Friendly and welcoming walking club for all ages and abilities ... The second Sunday of August 1978 was the inaugural walk of the Doncaster Wayfarers walking club ... The Club was formed by a breakaway group from the [former] International Fellwalkers, who were looking for a more family orientated venue.'

'A walk around the old County Borough of Doncaster following a route from the urban fringes to open fields, river banks and green lanes towards the settlements of Barnby Dun and Dunsville returning through Sprotbrough and along the River Don ... The route which follows Public Rights of Way, with short sections on roads, was devised by Pat White of Doncaster Wayfarers in the early 1970's.'

Vermuyden (South Yorkshire) LDWA

Doncastrian Way [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes] | The Doncastrian Way [Bringing Up The Rear]

'There are over 15 kilometres of paths and bridleways, which offer some wonderful walks. These include an "Easy Going" trail suitable for the less able bodied and wheelchairs.'

Friends of Ecclesall Woods

'The Parish of Ecclesfield covers an area of about 22 square kilometres of north Sheffield and is one of the most highly populated Parishes in the North of England. It comprises much of Ecclesfield and all of Chapeltown, High Green and Grenoside.'  

'The actual Boundary Walk uses private land and is only used once every seven years with the kind permission of the landowners. It must not therefore be used at any other time. The Boundary Way described ... therefore used the nearest public rights of way to the boundary - on footpaths, lanes and, by necessity in places, on roads.'

The Walking Englishman

'Golcar and Slaithwaite are 2 traditional stone built weaving villages located in the distinct area known as the Colne Valley ... Both villages are surrounded by small former weaving hamlets linked by numerous public footpath routes, some formerly packhorse trails and later routes to the mills, schools, canal and railway, running up, down, around and along the valley side and bottom.'

'The Great Northern Railway Trail is a work in progress, but the completion of the first section over two spectacular viaducts opens up the potential for day rides [and walks] in this beautiful corner of Bronte country ... Although there are plans to extend the railway path via Denholme and Thornton to Queensbury, it currently ends just south of Hewenden viaduct.'

Sustrans

Queensbury Tunnel

'There are approximately fifteen miles of footpaths and bridleways across the Estate. This allows visitors to have access to unspoiled parkland and wonderful views. Harewood has a policy of welcoming public access and if you have any queries please contact us ...'

Harewood House Walk [The Walking Englishman]

'We have approximately 100 members who mostly live in the Harrogate District (including Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Wetherby).'

Rotherham Parish & Town Councils 'Modern Parish Councils were developed under the Local Government Act of 1894 where for the first time the Church was excluded from formal participation in local government. There are 8700 Parish Councils across England covering 15 million people and the numbers are increasing particularly in Urban areas. Currently there are 30 Parish and Town Councils in Rotherham of which three are classed as Parish Meetings. Nearly half of Rotherham's population live in a Parished area.'

Harthill with Woodall Parish Council

'Haworth village is situated at the edge of the Pennine moors in West Yorkshire, England, the area made famous by the Brontë sisters, known as Brontë country.'

Haworth Village

'The walks linking the "Brontë" connected village of Haworth and the "funky" little town of Hebden Bridge are suitable for reasonably fit walkers. The walks are long, with some parts going through remote moorland in an upland environment.'

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

'Hebden Bridge was the first Walkers are Welcome town. Since then, the network has expanded rapidly and there are now over 100 towns and villages across the UK that have joined this community-led scheme.'

Local history and heritage walks around and about Huddersfield.

Huddersfield Local History Society

Member of the Ramblers - West Riding Area Grouping

'This walk is along well established paths to the south west of Huddersfield. Although some of it is close to an urban area, it retains a remarkably rural feel throughout and being close to the town it's well served by public transport.'

Walking Britain

'Due to Ilkley's position in beautiful Lower Wharfedale, there are some superb walks beginning here, whether they be easy riverside strolls or longer moorland rambles. Thanks to the farsightedness of the Parish Council in the last century, who purchased the moor as a public open space, there are walks suitable for the young and old alike.'

Wharfedale Online Trust

'Bradford has a proud history. It was the wool capital of the world (a trade which originated in Yorkshire in the 14th century, based on the Cistercians and their superior woolly sheep), and part of the cradle of the Industrial revolution - a city full of "Yorkshire grit". These are some of the titles that apply to Bradford. However, at first glance the Jewish connection to Bradford seems a strange one ...'

National Anglo-Jewish Heritage Trail

'Leeds Historian, Murray Freedman, has written a history and trail of Jewish Leeds, and details its history from small beginnings in the early 19th century, to its height as one of the leading Anglo-Jewish communities. While Leeds has declined from its pre-War importance, it is still a leading Jewish center in England out-side of London and Manchester.'

National Anglo-Jewish Heritage Trail

Member of the Ramblers - West Riding Area Grouping

'Ten walks around the villages of Kirkburton Parish. You will be led by a historical character for each village. On each walk you will find a guidestoop, modelled on an old directional post, and depicting some feature of the village. Stop and rest here, and use the stoop to rest your flask of tea.'

Kirkburton Parish Council

'The Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees is a metropolitan borough of West Yorkshire, England. It has a population of 422,500 and includes the settlements of Batley, Birstall, Cleckheaton, Denby Dale, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, Kirkburton, Marsden, Meltham, Mirfield and Slaithwaite. Huddersfield is the largest settlement of the district, and its centre of administration.'

'The Group on the West Yorkshire border with Lancashire are from a catchment area with the postcodes HX & OL14 and have a programme of social walks which is published in Strider ... Prospective members of the LDWA are welcome to join one of the social walks for a trial period, but should be aware that walks are around 20 miles at a reasonable pace and that it is advisable to make contact with the Leader beforehand to confirm details. All walks are to the strength of the slowest walker.'

'Leeds CHA was established in 1898 and we currently have over 300 members. Despite our size, we remain a friendly club and welcome any new members wishing to come along and join us for walks and get a taste of what our club has to offer. We cater for all levels of fitness and often run several walks each week that vary in distance and difficulty.'

'Footpath around Leeds that takes users through some of the beautiful and varied countryside surrounding the city.'

Leeds City Council

'If you're interested in the history of Leeds, the Leeds Industrial Heritage Trail is the ideal way to find out more about people, places and spaces that have made this multicultural and vibrant city what it is today. The Trail is easy to follow on foot and most of the places of interest are within walking or cycling distance of each other.'

Leeds International Study Centre | Leeds City Council

'Meets around four times a year and has a membership of up to 12 members. You can find the minutes of meetings in the Documents section ... Forum members bring a wide range of experience, including recreational use (e.g. walking, riding, cycling) and land management, to the Forum ... If you would like to contact the Forum or register an interest in becoming a member, please email ...'

Leeds City Council

Member of the Ramblers - West Riding Area Grouping

'Find out where the public rights of way are in Leeds, where access rights (right to roam) apply, and how we are improving the public rights of way network.'

Leeds City Council

Great Walks in Leeds

'We are a friendly group of people who enjoy walks and outdoor activities. We have been running for over 76 years. We do: Walks or activity most weekends; A weekend away, most months; During the summer we go on wide range of walks around the Leeds area every Tuesday night starting at 7.30 pm.'

'An invigorating walk in the footsteps of the giant Rombald crossing rough open moorland, walking mainly on well used paths, many of which can be wet and muddy in places. Although the first half of the walk involves several stiles and some hill climbing, there's nothing too strenuous.'

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

'Marsden in the South Pennines. A great place to walk, a lovely place to be.'

'Take a walk on the wild side and explore an ecological paradise ... From self-led walks to guided tours there's something to please everyone at our special place.'

National Trust

'The Mary Towneley Loop is a section of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers ... The Trail follows a mix of old railways, packhorse routes and newly created tracks. It is signposted (follow the National Trail Acorn) with easy to use gates and special road crossing points.'

Pennine Bridleway National Trail

'Formed in the early months of 2013. Our aim is to promote the area as a special area for walkers, cyclists, runners, and all those who to come and enjoy highlighted routes and amenities the village has to offer.'

'Discover how Athens' Parthenon and Italian Renaissance palaces inspired Sheffield's architects. Find out why some of the city's most famous buildings have towering columns, two elephants and a man holding an asp. Meet Titans and water gods – one wearing a fish.You'll also visit Sheffield's lost telephone exchange, Victorian water and gas companies, hidden chapels, old schools and self-important banks.'

University of Sheffield: Department of Archaeology

'A signed route linking a range of historical buildings and open spaces with connections to the Dukes of Norfolk. It runs for 2¾ miles from Manor Lodge to the Cathedral and is mainly downhill.'

Sheffield The Outdoor City

Member of the Ramblers - West Riding Area Grouping

'Built as an ambitious statement by the Winn family between 1725-1785, Nostell is a showcase for elegant and fashionable design. It was created not simply as a home, but also to send out an important message about the family's wealth and social status.'

National Trust

'Our charming historic market town, 10 miles northwest of Leeds, nestles below the forested Chevin ridge at one of the oldest crossing points on the River Wharfe.'

'Chevin Forest Park Local Nature Reserve is located in the Wharfe Valley and overlooks the market town of Otley. The reserve consists of north-facing escarpment, which has a mixed cover of woodland, meadow and heathland and covers an area of some 180 hectares. Massive outcrops of millstone grit dominate the crest of the escarpment, which rises steeply to a height of 280m above sea level, and offers magnificent views of the Wharfe Valley.'

Friends of Chevin Forest

Usually held Late June.

'A fun day out exploring the beautiful countryside in and around the Skelmanthorpe and Deffer Wood area.'

Walking Englishman

'This is an amazing new pilgrim and heritage way created for the 21st century, which starts in the market town of Todmorden in West Yorkshire and retraces the steps of St Paulinus until it reaches the historic city of York.'

British Pilgrimage Trust

'Footpath route designed to link the communities of the Humberhead Peatlands. The walk includes the first permissive paths across the famous Thorne and Hatfield Moors, wildlife sites of national and European importance.'

Ian Harrison

'Parish boundaries were very important, and marked the limits of land ownership. Nowadays these can be easily found from maps, but before, it was necessary for everyone to know where these boundaries were in case of dispute. An annual tradition emerged of Beating the Bounds which was linked to the church as a religious ceremony known as "Rogationtide" to pray for good crops throughout the year ... '

Visit Penistone

'You are invited to "take the train for a walk" ! Organised by the Penistone Line Partnership (PLP), these walks are promoted by the RAMBLERS' ASSOCIATION to encourage use of the train service to visit some of South & West Yorkshire's finest countryside. Walks also take place in North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.'

The Penistone Line Partnership

'Nature paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs will wind you around a stunning, safe wetland habitat littered with pockets of woodland and wildflower meadows, and the friendly Kingfisher Tearooms is a great place to you recharge with friends and family.'

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Pugneys is one of several country parks managed by Wakefield Council and containing a number of attractive walks around and about.

Pugneys Country Park. [GPS Cycle and Walking Routes]