10 Circular Walks in West Yorkshire: Scenic Routes to Explore the Countryside
West Yorkshire offers an impressive array of circular walks that showcase the region's diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to serene waterways.
These routes provide walkers with the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and historical sites that make this part of Yorkshire so special.
Circular walks are particularly appealing because they allow you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps, offering new scenery throughout the entire journey.
From the moorlands of Bradford to the woodland paths of Wakefield, West Yorkshire's circular walking routes cater to all abilities and preferences.
Whether you're seeking a challenging hike through the dramatic Pennine terrain or a gentle stroll alongside Hebden Water, these ten selected walks represent some of the finest opportunities to connect with the countryside whilst enjoying the convenience of returning to your starting point.
1) Bronte Waterfalls Circular Walk
The Bronte Waterfalls Circular Walk is a moderately challenging 5.8-km trail near Haworth in West Yorkshire.
This picturesque route typically takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a half-day adventure.
Starting from Haworth's Main Street, walkers can reach the waterfall in approximately 45 minutes.
Alternatively, visitors can begin at Penistone Hill Country Park, which offers free parking and reduces the journey to the falls to around 25 minutes.
The full circular route extends to about 6 miles and includes a visit to Top Withens. This ruined farmhouse is widely believed to have inspired the setting for Emily Bronte's novel Wuthering Heights.
For those seeking a more substantial challenge, an extended 12.2-km circular route is available. This longer path takes roughly 3 hours and 21 minutes to complete.
The walk offers wonderful views over Lower Laithe Reservoir as it passes through Penistone Country Park. The combination of literary heritage and natural beauty makes this walk particularly special.
2) Harewood Circuit
The Harewood Circuit offers a fantastic way to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Harewood House in West Yorkshire.
This moderately challenging route spans approximately 14.2 kilometres and typically takes around 3.5 hours to complete.
Walkers will enjoy diverse landscapes as they traverse the estate perimeter.
The path provides excellent views towards the magnificent Harewood House and leads through the deer park where visitors might spot the resident deer herd.
For those seeking a shorter option, a 5-mile circuit is available that still captures the essence of the area. This version takes walkers through woodlands and offers stunning vistas across the carefully maintained grounds.
The route passes through the charming village of Weardley, adding variety to the walk.
Harewood's surroundings provide a delightful mix of rural charm and historical intrigue typical of this part of West Yorkshire.
Convenient parking is available near the Muddy Boots café, which serves as a popular meeting point for organised walking groups and provides a welcome refreshment stop.
3) Simon's Seat and Valley of Desolation
Simon's Seat is a prominent rocky outcrop standing at 485 metres above sea level in the Yorkshire Dales. This moderately challenging circular walk typically covers between 8-14 miles depending on your chosen route, with significant elevation gain.
The walk commonly begins near Bolton Abbey, taking hikers through the aptly named Valley of Desolation.
Despite its somewhat foreboding name, the valley offers beautiful woodland scenery with a picturesque waterfall along the route.
As walkers ascend Barden Fell, the path becomes more challenging but rewards with increasingly impressive views.
The final climb to Simon's Seat involves navigating rocky terrain, making proper footwear essential.
At the summit, hikers are treated to panoramic vistas across Wharfedale and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales landscape. The distinctive gritstone rock formations at the top provide perfect spots for a well-earned rest and refreshments.
The return journey typically loops back via different paths across Barden Moor, offering varied terrain and new perspectives of this beautiful area. This walk requires proper preparation and equipment, especially in adverse weather conditions.
4) Bolton Abbey Circular
The Bolton Abbey Circular walk offers a picturesque journey along the River Wharfe in West Yorkshire, featuring both natural beauty and historical landmarks.
This popular route takes approximately 3 hours to complete and includes about 320 metres of ascent.
Starting at Bolton Abbey, walkers will experience the magnificent Priory Church and ruins that date back to the 12th century.
The path follows the meandering River Wharfe, providing constant scenic views along the way.
One of the highlights of this walk is [The Strid](https://www.walks4all.com/walks/bolton-abbey-circular-walk-along-the-river
5) Hebden Bridge Circular Walk
The Hebden Bridge Circular Walk is a moderately challenging 11.1-kilometre trail that takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete.
This diverse route showcases the stunning landscape surrounding the charming old textile mill town of Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire.
The walk begins along the canal side in Hebden Bridge heading towards Todmorden. Walkers follow the canal until reaching Callis Community Gardens, offering a pleasant start to the journey with peaceful waterside views.
This circular route incorporates sections of the Pennine Way, providing varied terrain and spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside.
The trail takes hikers through woodland areas, open moorland and past historical features.
For those interested in exploring the area further, nearby alternatives include the Hardcastle Crags Walk and Stoodley Pike Monument Walk.
These complement the circular route and showcase additional natural beauty spots in the region.
The Hebden Bridge Circular offers walkers a comprehensive experience of West Yorkshire's diverse landscapes and rich industrial heritage in a manageable day hike.
6) Hardcastle Crags Loop
Hardcastle Crags offers one of West Yorkshire's most picturesque circular walks, located just 2 miles north of Hebden Bridge.
This moderately challenging route spans approximately 4 kilometres and typically takes just over an hour to complete.
The area features 15 miles of footpaths winding through stunning woodland terrain and alongside Hebden Water.
Walkers can follow the riverside trail or opt for the upper woodland path, both providing distinctive perspectives of this beautiful landscape.
At the heart of Hardcastle Crags sits Gibson Mill, a former cotton mill that now serves as a visitor centre. The mill provides an excellent stopping point during your walk, with facilities available for visitors.
The National Trust site is dog-friendly, making it perfect for those who wish to bring their four-legged companions.
The varied terrain offers something for everyone, from casual strollers to more experienced hikers.
For those seeking a longer adventure, extended routes are available, including a 15.6-kilometre circular trail that incorporates Lower Mill Pond and Pecket Well. This more challenging option takes approximately four hours to complete.
7) Esholt Woods Trail
Esholt Woods offers a delightful circular walking route through the picturesque West Yorkshire countryside.
This moderately challenging trail takes walkers through beautiful woodland areas and along peaceful waterways.
Starting from the charming village of Esholt, the path winds through Jerrison Wood and Spring Wood, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the natural environment.
The 8-mile circular route typically takes about 4 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
One highlight of this walk is the section along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which provides a flat, easy-going stretch with interesting views.
The route also incorporates parts of a disused railway line, adding historical interest to the natural beauty.
The terrain varies throughout the walk, with some elevated viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Spring and early summer are particularly lovely times to visit when woodland flowers are in bloom.
For those familiar with television, Esholt village itself holds interest as the original filming location for the soap opera Emmerdale.
The trail provides a perfect mix of woodland, waterways and open countryside.
8) East Bierley Birkenshaw Circular
The East Bierley Birkenshaw Circular offers walkers a charming jaunt through West Yorkshire's picturesque countryside.
This route showcases local wildlife, water features and provides great views of the surrounding landscape.
The walk is particularly notable for its varied terrain. It includes some hilly and steep sections that provide a bit of challenge for ramblers.
These elevations reward hikers with spectacular vistas across the Yorkshire countryside.
Dog owners will appreciate that this circular route is pet-friendly, making it an ideal choice for a day out with four-legged companions.
The path also features interesting botanical elements, providing opportunities to observe local flora throughout the seasons.
For those looking to explore more of West Yorkshire on foot, this walk sits amongst other notable routes in the region such as Hardcastle Crags and woodland paths around Cottingley.
The East Bierley area offers multiple walking opportunities that can be customised to suit different abilities and timeframes.
Night walking enthusiasts might be interested to know that guided evening walks sometimes take place in the area as part of the Ramblers' Walks In The Dark programme.
9) Holme & Marsden Clough Circuit
The Holme & Marsden Clough Circuit offers walkers a challenging yet rewarding experience in the beautiful Holme Valley.
This 14.32 km route typically takes around 5 hours to complete and features a moderate vertical gain of approximately 389 metres.
Starting from Ramsden Reservoir, this circular trail takes hikers through varied terrain with stunning views of the West Yorkshire countryside.
The path returns to the departure point, making it convenient for those who park at the starting location.
For those seeking a slightly longer adventure, the Holme Moss and Ramsden Clough Circular extends to 18.3 km and is generally considered more challenging. This version takes approximately 5 hours and 26 minutes to complete.
The charming village of Holme serves as an excellent base for exploring this walk. With its cosy pub, it provides the perfect spot for refreshments after completing the circuit.
Walkers should be prepared for changeable weather conditions, particularly when traversing higher ground.
The trail offers spectacular scenery throughout the year, though winter walks may require additional preparation.
10) Luddenden Foot Circular Walk
The Luddenden Foot Circular presents walkers with a fascinating journey through Calderdale's industrial heritage and natural beauty.
This 12.6 km looped trail offers a moderately challenging route that takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
Starting and ending in Calderdale, this walk guides hikers through an area once bustling with mills and industry. The landscape was previously a dense hive of spinning, carding and weaving activity.
The route follows the charming Luddenden Brook northward, winding through deciduous woodland that changes character with the seasons.
Walkers will traverse heather moorland and old drovers' ways, providing varied terrain and scenic views.
For those seeking a shorter alternative, the area also offers a 2.9 km footpath route that takes approximately 49 minutes to complete and is generally considered easy.
The full circular walk connects Luddenden with Midgley, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding West Yorkshire countryside.
The combination of historical industrial elements and natural landscapes makes this a particularly rewarding route for those interested in both heritage and scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
West Yorkshire offers numerous circular walking routes with varying terrain, difficulty levels, and attractions. Walkers can find everything from waterfall-centric paths to flat terrain suitable for leisurely strolls.
What are the best circular walks in West Yorkshire that include a cafe stop?
The Hebden Bridge Circular Walk offers excellent café options in the charming town centre before or after exploring the surrounding countryside.
This walk combines urban amenities with natural beauty.
Bolton Abbey Circular is another fantastic option with the Cavendish Pavilion café providing a perfect refreshment stop with riverside views.
The tea rooms at Harewood House make the Harewood Circuit walk especially appealing for those wanting a proper Yorkshire tea during their ramble.
Where can I find a map detailing circular walks in the region of West Yorkshire?
AllTrails provides detailed maps of numerous trails throughout West Yorkshire with downloadable route information and user reviews.
Their website features comprehensive trail descriptions, elevation profiles, and photographs.
The Go4aWalk website offers 25 easy-to-follow hand-crafted circular walks in West Yorkshire, complete with maps and route guidance.
Local visitor centres also typically stock Ordnance Survey maps covering popular walking areas in the region.
Can you recommend any short circular walking routes in West Yorkshire?
Several shorter circular routes are perfect for those with limited time or energy.
The Bolton Abbey Circular has shorter variations that still capture the essence of the area while requiring less commitment.
Some sections of the Bronte Waterfalls route can be adapted into shorter circuits whilst still experiencing the literary landscapes.
For families, child-friendly trails are available throughout West Yorkshire that typically feature shorter distances and gentler terrain.
Are there any waterfall-centric walks located within West Yorkshire?
The Bronte Waterfalls Circular Walk is the premier waterfall-centric route in West Yorkshire, featuring the famous falls that inspired the Bronte sisters.
This walk combines literary history with stunning water features.
Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge offers beautiful woodland walks with streams and small waterfalls throughout.
Which walking trails in West Yorkshire are suited for those who prefer flat terrain?
The canal towpaths around Hebden Bridge offer exceptionally flat walking terrain while still providing beautiful views of both natural and industrial heritage.
These routes follow the historic waterways that once served the region's textile industry.
Parts of the Harewood Circuit feature relatively flat sections, particularly around the estate grounds.
For those seeking accessibility, several modified trails exist at popular locations that accommodate those requiring level paths.
Could you suggest some circular walks in West Yorkshire that are featured in walking guidebooks?
The Yorkshire Wolds Way collection highlights several "Top Ten" walks that appear in multiple guidebooks due to their scenic value.
These routes showcase the best landscapes Yorkshire has to offer.
Simon's Seat and the Valley of Desolation walk features prominently in walking guides focusing on Yorkshire Dales periphery.
The Bronte Waterfalls route appears in numerous literary-themed walking guides as well as traditional hiking publications, cementing its place as one of West Yorkshire's most documented walks.
