Area: Yorkshire West Riding

The Category Barnsley is a subset of South Yorkshire.

The Category Bradford is a subset of West Yorkshire.

The following Bradford Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Abbott’s Hike

The Category Calderdale is a subset of West Yorkshire.

The following Bolsover Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Calderdale Ramblers

- Fielden Trail

The Category Craven is a subset of West Yorkshire.

The following Craven Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Settle District U3A

The Category Doncaster is a subset of South Yorkshire.

The following Doncaster Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Walking for Health - Doncaster

The Category Kirklees is a subset of West Yorkshire.

The following Kirklees Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Golcar & Slaithwaite - Walkers Are Welcome

- Holmfirth - Walkers Are Welcome

The Category Leeds is a subset of West Yorkshire.

The Category Rotherham is a subset of South Yorkshire.

The Category Selby is a subset of West Yorkshire.

The Category Sheffield is a subset of South Yorkshire.

The following Sheffield Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Sheffield U3A

The Category Wakefield is a subset of West Yorkshire.

The following Wakefield Entities do NOT (currently) have Records in 'Open Paths and Trails'. Here, clicking on a Title of interest should link you to a relevant external Website (or Facebook Page):

- Walking for Health - Wakefield

'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.'

Countryside and Conservation 'Information about the green spaces available in the local countryside and how to enjoy them.'

'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.'

'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 ...'

'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

'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 ... '

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

'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 ...'

'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.'

'Great walking routes are spread across the whole of Craven. Gentle town and village trails explore the heritage and hidden treasures of Craven. Circular walks, from a short riverside stroll to a day out on the fells, an ideal way to venture into the surrounding countryside, or take the bus or train and walk back. Strenuous day walks and challenges are for the more adventurous include the Three Peaks, a 26 mile walk over the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.' ALERT A Section 'Walking in Craven' seems no longer to be accessible via the Council Website.

'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

'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. '

'On the edge of the Pennines, the Denby Dale and Kirkburton area offers rolling countryside with attractive stone-built villages connected by a network of footpaths and trails. Steeped in industrial history, traces of the past can be found at the heart of the villages: the imposing Denby Dale viaduct; the impressive Emley mast; old coaching inns; early churches and chapels; and traditional weaver’s cottages ...'

East Peak Innovation Partnership

'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.'

'We provide walks on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the year. These walks are usually of about 10 miles in length and vary in location from local walks starting from Thorne, Fishlake, Edlington and Epworth, etc, to Grindleford, Calver and Hathersage in the beautiful Peak District, to walks in the Castle Howard area, in the Wolds, as well as many more locations up to about an hour's drive away. These walks are for reasonably experienced walkers ...'

'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.'

'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.'  ALERT At Review: 'The council has been working with local walking groups. We have produced some great suggested walks for all. You can either pick up the leaflets at the council offices on Mortomley Lane or in due course we will provide them on this page.'

'The three main trails take you through a variety of habitats allowing stunning views of birds such as willow tits and tree sparrows in the woodland, and lapwings, snipe and redshanks in the wet grassland. In winter Fairburn hosts an array of swans, ducks and geese on the main lake, so there is something to see whatever the season.'

RSPB

'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).'

'A group of local people who love walking and want to encourage others to share our enjoyment. Hebden Bridge was the first Walkers are Welcome town and we aim to make it a great place for walkers to visit. We hope you enjoy discovering our beautiful south Pennines countryside in Yorkshire.'

'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.'

Hebden Bridge Walkers Action

'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.'

'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.'

'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

'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.'

'Mytholmroyd Walkers’ Action (MWA) aims to: Encourage more walkers, walking more; Ensure public rights of way and footpaths are kept open; Make walking more attractive to a wider range of residents; Encourage more visitors to make Mytholmroyd a walkers’ destination; Encourage more journeys to be undertaken on foot, rather than by private car; Encourage the use of public transport to get to designated walks; Work with other partners and providers to promote walking for a healthy lifestyle.'

Mytholmroyd Walkers' Action

‘The magnificent moorlands, meadows and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales are criss-crossed by miles of rolling footpaths. Explore these iconic limestone landscapes on one of our downloadable walking trails.‘

National Trust

'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.

'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]

Access to details of about a dozen Groups operating within the SYNED Area.

'The region that we look after on behalf of our members and the walking community is centred on Leeds and Bradford, and extends from Ingleton to Pontefract, and from Holmfirth to Wensleydale.'

Usually held Late April.

'Fresh Air and Exercise Nothing Better ... Here at Rother Valley we have an extensive network of Nature trails and walks which all the family can enjoy ...'

Access to details of Rotherham's Parks, Woodlands and Nature Reserves

'Offers walks throughout the stunning Peak District and beyond in good company ... We are an independent club with a membership of approximately 150 people, the cost a mere £6 annually. We welcome new members as they are the way forward and also ensure that the Club continues to thrive.'

Access to details of a wide range of walks and walking locations around and about Selby.

'Sheffield Botanical Gardens cover 19 acres and were first opened in 1836. Originally designed by Robert Marnock in the Gardenesque style, the site now has fifteen different garden areas featuring collections of plants from all over the world, including Mediterranean, Asian, American prairie-style, woodland and rock-and-water plantings. The National Collections of Weigela, Diervilla and Sarcococca are sited here.'

'We are a membership organisation. We presently have about 130 members ... Originally the club was affiliated to the Countrywide Holidays Association, a national organisation operating walking holidays which was formed in the 1890s. This has now been wound up, but our Club decided to continue using the initials CHA.'

'Find out what is available in Sheffield to help you to walk more ... '

'Do you enjoy walking but want to do this at a leisurely pace? Fed up with walking groups that want to beat the clock over the distance of the walk? Or maybe you are new to walking and fear that you won't be able to keep up with experienced walkers? Then come and join the Sheffield Shamblers Walking Group ... We organise midweek walks, Sunday walks and the occasional Saturday walk.'

'Organises volunteer led walks for VIPs living in and around Sheffield ... This user led group offers VIPs the opportunity to go walking regularly, assisted by trained volunteer guides.'

'The Walking Group for people in their 20s and 30s.'

'If you are feeling energetic you can try one of the three waymarked trails which have been established on the Common in a joint project between The Friends of Skipwith Common, Natural England and the landowner Escrick Park Estate.'

Friends of Skipwith Common

Usually held Mid September.

'A wonderful Country Park with woodlands, open moor, and a wildflower meadow, and paths throughout ... This Park needs to be explored and should not to be missed!'

Bradford Parks

Friends of St Ives

Access to details of three dozen walks around and about Stocksbridge: [1] Eight Short Walks (less than 5 miles) - - - : [2] Twenty-three Medium Walks (5 - 9 miles) - - - : [3] Five Long Walks (10-15 miles).  Stocksbridge was the only Yorkshire nomination to make the 2018 shortlist for Britain's Best Walking Neighbourhood. Organised by the Ramblers, this prestigious award recognises an area where walking is the safe, pleasant and an easy way to travel.

'Tadcaster, surrounded by quiet countryside, is steeped in history: romans, railways, country houses, ancient tracks and battle places. And after the walk, visit the many pubs and cafes in the town. Long or short, there is always an enjoyable walk from Tadcaster.'

'The Leeds and Bradford young persons' walking group: We are a very friendly walking group run by the members and part of the Ramblers Association.'

'It's the club for people who believe there's more to life than watching telly but don't want to dedicate their spare time to a single activity. The focus of the group though is walking. Walks range from the really gentle poddle to more strenuous long distance walks. But we don't just walk ...'

'One of the best ways to explore Bradford district is on foot. Renowned for our rolling hills and rugged moorland, Bradford is a paradise for walkers of all abilities. You will find three Walkers are Welcome towns throughout the district, Ilkley, Baildon and Burley in Wharfedale which proves we really are walker friendly. There are lots of walks for all abilities including long distance walks or you can simply enjoy the peace and tranquility as you stroll along the canal towpaths ...'

'Walking routes - half hour ... Walking routes - 1 hour ... Longer walks ... Walks with buggies ... Walks with wheelchairs ... Wakefield health walks ... Public Rights of Way online map'

'Formed over 30 years ago and now has over 250 members. The Group welcomes new members to come along and join our walks. Walking boots, waterproofs and a packed lunch are required for all but the local evening walks ...'

'We have over 100 members of all ages and abilities who enjoy walking in the countryside. These walks are open to all women in the surrounding areas of Wakefield.'

'Lying in the floodplain of the River Rother, the nature reserve straddles the boundary between Sheffield and Rotherham ... The Trans-Pennine Trail, running along an edge of the site, allows easy access for cyclists and wheelchair users in good weather (it can get very muddy in wet weather).'

Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust

'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).

'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

'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]

'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

'With the pressure on the more easily identified focuses of outdoor recreation such as the Lake District and the Three Peaks, interest is increasing in quieter and more unspoilt areas "off the beaten track". In recent years, Bentham has come to be appreciated as a walking centre with distinct possibilities ...' ALERT Link changed from Bentham Town Council to Friends of Bentham Station to Rail to Trail. (I have retained the original description.)

Community Rail Lancaashire

'This diverse landscape on the edge of the Peak District celebrates its natural, cultural and industrial heritage with grit and charm.' ALERT Unable to raise the Woodland Trust description of this Walk at Review. Linked instead to guide to similar Walk from Stocksbridge Walkers are Welcome.

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

'There are over eighty miles of footpaths across some of the most spectacular countryside in England. Whether you wander beside the river, cross the exposed purple heights of the heather moorland or explore the woodland nature trails, there is something for everyone.'

Bolton Abbey Estate

'A multi day walk passing through the main valleys in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.'

Where2Walk

'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

Three stages from the Bradford Fair Trade Way which 'is a scenic, circular walking route linking all the Fairtrade villages and towns in the Bradford district: Bradford, Bingley, Shipley, Baildon, Burley, Ilkley, Haworth, Denholme and Thornton. The route uses public footpaths through the district's beautiful countryside, passing places of historical interest'.

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.' Note that the Project Treasures Revealed has now ceased: further information should be available from Visit Bradford.

Casual Ramblers

'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.'

'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

'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

'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 Cal-Der-Went Walk by John Merrill (The John Merrill Foundation, 2014)

'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)

'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