WALKING
Glorious gardens or the Yorkshire Dales – there’s plenty to explore.
City walls
York has the longest medieval town walls in England – the full 3.4 kilometre circuit will take you roughly two hours to walk. Along the way you’ll enjoy striking views of the city, as well as an insight into its long and important history.
Find out more on the Visit York website
Fewston Reservoir
The walk around Fewston Reservoir is one of the best of its kind in Yorkshire. It’s in the middle of the Washburn Valley in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the 3.7 mile walk is flat throughout. The paths are well maintained, and the unobstructed views of the reservoir and the surrounding countryside are spectacular.
Find out more on the Visit Harrogate website
Washburn Valley Birds Walk
There’s no major road through Washburn Valley, so the countryside is quiet and peaceful. This walk is six and a half miles long, and takes you past river banks, the reservoir and over an old packhorse bridge. Look out for the Dob Park Lodge, and see if you can find the exact spot that inspired Turner’s painting of the landscape.
Find out more on the Visit Harrogate website
Yorkshire Three Peaks
This is a true challenge: walk three of the highest summits in the Yorkshire Dales. You’ll need to walk up Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – each one is worthy of a day in itself, and there are plenty of routes to choose from.
Find out more on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge website
Harrogate Pinewoods and Valley Gardens
A family-oriented walk from Harlow Moor Road in the west of Harrogate into Pinewoods and then to the higher part of Harrogate’s iconic Valley Gardens. At 1.5 miles it’s short, but rewarding.
Find out more on the Visit Harrogate website
Harrogate Woodland and Parks
Explore Harrogate’s best parks in full bloom. This walk starts at the Harrogate Pump Rooms, and climbs up to the high side of town. Some of the footpaths are steep, especially around the Birk Crag woodland section.
Find out more on the Walking Englishman website
Harrogate Ringway
A 20 mile circuit around Harrogate that takes you past lakes, woodland and a wildflower meadow. The path also includes a long stretch along the River Nidd to the pretty market town of Knaresborough.
Find the full route on the Walking Englishman website
Golden Acre Park and Bramhope Walk
Golden Acre Park in north Leeds is remarkably popular – and there’s a great five-mile walk past the lake, through woodland to Adel Dam nature reserve. It makes for an excellent excursion – and it’s easy-going throughout, so it’s great for everybody.
Find the full route on the Walking Englishman website
Hartwith Heritage Walk
Tread the old ways through ancient Nidderdale on this 8 mile circuit. There are signs of Iron Age enclosures, mature woodland, open moorland and an excellent pub at Summerbridge.
Find the full route on the Walking Englishman website
Six Dales Trail
This 38-mile trail crosses the five watersheds that separate the six dales: Wharfedale, Washburndale, Nidderdale, Colsterdale, Coverdale, and finally Wensleydale – where you can recover with cheese. The terrain is mixed, from high moorland to sculpted 18th century parkland.
Find the full route on the Six Dales Trail website
