Area: Yorkshire West Riding

'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 ...'

'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.'

Held Easter.

'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.'

'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.'

'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.'

Has been held Mid April.

'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 ...'

'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.'

'A series of easily accessible countryside sites within the Bradford Metropolitan District.' Unfortunately Bradford have reorganized their Web Sites so I have replaced the original Link here with one more generic.

Held Mid June.

'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 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.'

Outline descriptions of about two dozen Walks - including length, ascent, timing, grading. Download route maps, instructions and GPS Waypoint Data by taking out a Subscription to the Service.

'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 ...'

Helping People with Disabilities to Access the Countryside

'Open Country is a Harrogate-based organisation that seeks to enable anyone with any disability to access the countryside. We achieve this through a variety of countryside activities and the provision of information, training and advice. Fully accessible transport is provided and teams of trained volunteers are on hand to offer assistance as necessary.'

'The Harrogate district has an abundance of green space. A wide variety of parks, gardens and open spaces offer landscaped areas, floral beds, nature trails or green open space for relaxation or play ...'

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

'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.'

'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.'

'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.' (Note that this Website - as other NT Sites - is prone to restructuring, but you could try to raise the What's On section ...)

'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.'

'Along the Upper Wharfe Valley the characteristic dry-stone walls and barns of the Dales, important flower-rich hay meadows, beautiful riverside and valleyside woodland combine to create a wonderful place to relax and explore the great outdoors.'

'Covers 233 square miles (603 km2) of Northern England in the county of North Yorkshire.The AONB shares a common boundary with the Yorkshire Dales National Park immediately to the west ... We think one of the best ways to explore Nidderdale AONB is on foot. Go at your own pace, enjoy the sights and sounds and benefit from some of the most peaceful walking in the Yorkshire Dales.'

'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.'

Usually held Late June.

'The brainchild of a group of keen volunteers who all live in the locality. Having literally walked up and down dale for many years, we felt it made sense to share the beauty of Nidderdale with other people who take pleasure in exploring on foot and so the idea of a walking festival was born ...' Held Late September.

'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.'

'These walks explore Pugneys Country Park, which is a former open cast mine and the surrounding area which is steeped in history - including findings from the Mesolithic people, a medieval road and the place where Richard of York died.'

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.'

'Set in a valley and very much a part of the Yorkshire countryside, the garden has a wide variety of growing landscapes, from running and still water to woodland and wildflower meadows.'

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.'

'Rothwell Footpath Group keeps a close eye on the condition of local paths, helping to restore sign posting and stiles.' In addition, the Group has a regular walking programme (plus social events including winter monthly Sequence Dance 'Faith Suppers'). Unfortunately the original Link used here seems to have disappeared, so I have had to resort to a Link to details of the 'Faith Suppers' ...

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

'The Group has two levels of walk. The Tuesday walks average between 4 and 6 miles and are usually fairly easy. Thursday walks, which average about 8 miles, are more challenging ... New members are always welcome.'

'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.'

Details of the activities of about a score of different walking groups within this U3A Branch.

'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.'

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!'

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 ...'

'Discover over 90 rural and urban walking routes in South Yorkshire. Use our searchable map to help you get around and plan your walk. You can enjoy walks along picturesque riversides, areas of natural beauty and places of historic interest. You can download a range of walking guides, see an outline of the walk on the map, and plan how to get to and from the walk using public transport.'

'The Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership is a £1.8 million scheme to look after and help people get involved with Upper Nidderdale’s historic landscapes, cultural heritage and wildlife habitats ... The Partnership is led by Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and brings together a wide range of organisations who are working with land managers, farmers and local communities.'

'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.'

Doncaster Walking for Health Scheme 'These are regular weekly short walks, designed with health in mind and are perfect for those who would like to become more active or perhaps lack the confidence and knowledge about where to walk.'

'All the walks will be within the Leeds boundaries where there is a great deal of attractive countryside, as well as interesting urban routes.' Held Early June.

'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).'

'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.'

'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.'

'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.'

'During the mid 18th century William Aislabie owned estates at Studley Royal, Laver Banks and Hackfall. He and other members of the Aislabie Family created a picturesque landscape to delight their guests and transported them by carriage and on horseback through this sublime countryside on byways and tracks ...'

'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.'

'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.'

'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.

'This walk is a lovely wander around the Pateley Bridge area. It is also a fascinating history lesson. The walk starts in the town and takes us to the lovely Fishpond Wood near Bewerley. We then head west over deep green meadows covered in swathes of buttercup and vetch. Eventually we arrive at the edge of Coldstones Quarry at Greenhow. Coldstones is a working quarry with accommodation for a viewing of modern quarrying techniques should you wish to visit. Our walk takes us past the quarry and round Bewerley Moor to visit old lead workings at the disused Cockhill and Providence Mines ...'

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

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

'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.'

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

'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 ... '

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'.

'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.

'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.'

'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.'