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Walking Weekends

The Bradford district offers tremendous diversity for walkers – from the rugged moors of Haworth and Ilkley to the rolling hills of Shipley Glen & Baildon Moor, or further afield the Yorkshire Dales.  One of the many walks you can try is the 80 mile Dales Way, which starts in Ilkley and finishes in Windermere, Cumbria.  Or follow in the footsteps of the Brontës along the Bronte Way, the trail to Top Withens and many other trails across Haworth Moor.  The Bradford Millennium Way is a 45 mile circular walk linking many of the district's beauty spots, including White Wells on Ilkley Moor, (famous for the song 'On Ilkla Moor Baht'at) and Shipley Glen.

STAY & EXPLORE

There are a variety of accommodation options to choose from when planning your visit to Bradford. If you prefer a more traditional experience, you can opt for hotels, guesthouses or B&Bs. However, if you prefer more independence, holiday lodges and serviced apartments are a good choice.

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WALKING INSPIRATION

With more than thirty public parks, vast moorland, and rolling countryside, the district is perfect for exploration. There are numerous footpaths and bridleways that cover the district, offering options such as walks by the riverside, moorland rambles or quiet country lanes.

Select a destination and book your accommodation while hiking through the Bradford District.

COW & CALF ROCKS

High on Ilkley Moor the Cow and Calf Rocks are a large rock formation consisting of an outcrop and boulder, also known as Hangingstone Rocks. According to local legend, the Calf was split from the Cow when the giant Rombald was fleeing an enemy, and stamped on the rock as he leapt across the valley. The enemy, it is rumoured, was his angry wife. She dropped the stones held in her skirt to form the local rock formation The Skirtful of Stones. The rocks are a great place to climb and the moor offers spectacular views of Ilkley and beyond.

FIVE RISE LOCKS

Bingley Five Rise Locks are one of the most spectacular features on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. They are the steepest staircase locks in the country and feature in the seven wonders of the waterways. The locks boast stunning views of the Aire Valley and there is a cafe and a private mooring site for boats waiting for you at the top. A little further down the tow-path are the Three Rise Locks. Together they form a very popular spot to ride your bike, take a walk or enjoy a spot of fishing.

SHIPLEY GLEN

Situated below Baildon Moor and with stunning views over the Aire Valley, Shipley Glen is a long shoulder of heathland studded with boulders left behind in the ice age. The Glen became a popular tourist destination in Victorian times, with attractions including a fairground. Today this is long gone, but it is still possible to ride the Cable Tramway up the Glen and the beauty spot is still very popular, particularly among walkers, climbers and cyclists.

TOP WITHENS

Top Withens is a ruined farmhouse set among dramatic Pennine moorland near Haworth. It is said to have been the inspiration for Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. The ruin lies on the Pennine Way, a popular walking destination accessible from Haworth and Stanbury. Such is the attraction to Japanese literary tourists that some footpath signs in the area include directions in Japanese.

WOODLANDS

Approximately five percent of the Bradford District is covered by woodland, mainly remnants of the ancient Oak and Birch woodlands of the South Pennines. Middleton Woods (Ilkley), Judy Woods (Bradford), St Ives Estate (Bingley) are all listed in the Collins Guide to the most beautiful woodlands in Yorkshire and the North East.

WALKERS ARE WELCOME

One of the best ways to explore is on foot and Bradford District currently has three Walkers are Welcome towns; Bingley, Baildon and Burley in Wharfedale. By having this accolade, you can feel confident exploring Bradford’s stunning countryside with other very experienced walkers.

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The countryside boasts many activities, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, orienteering and nature trails.  Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, situated on Shipley Glen, provides an insight into the nature & geology of Shipley & Baildon.  The Bradford Countryside Rights of Way Service offers guided walks around the district with experienced guides who are knowledgeable about local history and the countryside.