The 10 best walks in West Yorkshire ranked and rated by hikers (aff)
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From gentle strolls to challenging hikes these are the highest-rated walking routes across West Yorkshire according to AllTrails users
With spring in the air it's a perfect time to get back into the great outdoors and explore nature.
It's no secret that West Yorkshire has some of the best walking routes in the UK but, regardless of how well you think you know your local area, there are always some hidden gems.
Thankfully technology can help us find these off-the-beaten-track beauty spots, and walking apps are filling up fast with recommended routes that have been tried, tested, and reviewed by real people.
One of the most popular apps out there is AllTrails, and it's community-driven, which means people can plot a walking route, share it with other app users, and then everyone who tries it can give it a review.
There are dozens in West Yorkshire, varying from challenging hikes to gentle strolls, and some of them have been rated hundreds of times.
A basic AllTrails plan is free, and it'll allow you to find routes anywhere in the country and navigate them while you're out and about.
Premium subscriptions start at £2.99 per month, but you can trial them for free. These allow you to download maps in case you're walking out of signal, upload photos and share your activities, and top-tier subscriptions will even identify plants for you on your route.
Here are the 10 top-rated walking routes in West Yorkshire, according to AllTrails users.
1. Golden Acre Park and Adel Dam Nature Reserve (Easy)
Rated 4.7 out of five, from 101 reviews
This family-friendly trail loops around Golden Acre Park and Adel Dam Nature Reserve, offering scenic paths and plenty of chances to spot wildlife such as kingfishers, grebes, roe deer and even foxes.
The route includes a mix of well-surfaced and rougher sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended in wet conditions, and dogs are not permitted within the nature reserve.
2. Fairburn Ings and Ledsham Circular (Moderate)
Rated 4.6 out of five, from 693 reviews
This varied trail starts at Fairburn Ings, winding through woodland, waterside paths and farmland with wildlife hides offering the chance to spot rare birds such as bittern, spoonbill and little egret.
Passing through Fairburn and on to Ledsham, both with pubs for a welcome stop, the route returns via fields and woods, with some rough and muddy sections underfoot – so sturdy footwear is advised and dogs should be kept on a lead throughout.
3. Hook Moor Wind Farm and Ringhay Wood Circular (Easy)
Rated 4.6 out of five, from 86 reviews
This short and pleasant walk loops around Hook Moor Windfarm and the adjoining Ringhay Wood, with well-maintained trails making it ideal for dog walkers.
Some sections can get muddy so waterproof footwear is recommended, and afterwards you can head into nearby Leeds for a choice of pubs, cafés and restaurants.
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4. Fox Covert and Millennium Wood (Moderate)
Rated 4.8 out of five, from 18 reviews
This short, gentle woodland walk at Fox Covert and Millennium Wood offers a peaceful escape, winding through a mix of established and newly planted trees with chances to spot wildlife such as long-tailed tits, woodpeckers, butterflies and seasonal wildflowers.
The flat, easy paths make it ideal for families and dog walkers, though it can get muddy after rain, so sturdy or waterproof footwear is recommended.
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5. Eccup Reservoir and Harewood Park (Hard)
Rated 4.6 out of five, from 407 reviews
This varied and scenic route runs from Eccup Reservoir to Harewood, following a mix of paths and quiet country roads with lovely views along the way.
Some sections can be rough and muddy, particularly in wetter conditions, so sturdy footwear is recommended for this short escape from the city.
6. Meanwood Valley Trail Circular (Moderate)
Rated 4.6 out of five, from 1,179 reviews
This popular scenic woodland route takes in The Hollies, Meanwood Park, Scotland Wood and the paths along Adel Beck and Meanwood Beck, with winding trails, wildlife, spring wildflowers and historic touches along the way.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control, especially when crossing a busy A road, and as some sections can be rough and muddy, sturdy footwear is recommended.
7. North Rigton to Almscliff Crag (Moderate)
Rated 4.6 out of five, from 92 reviews
This pleasant, short trail runs from North Rigton through open farmland to Almscliff Crag, where you can enjoy sweeping views and spot local wildlife along the way.
The crag is also a popular climbing spot, so care is needed around climbers and livestock, and sturdy footwear is recommended for the route.
8. Bramley Fall, River Aire, and Leeds and Liverpool Canal Circular (Moderate)
Rated 4.6 out of five, from 147 reviews
This varied trail on the outskirts of Leeds begins at Bramley Fall Park, winding through parkland to Forge Locks before continuing through Toad’s Hole Wood and on past Horsforth.
It then follows the River Aire to Calverley Lane Community Orchard and Calverley Bridge, returning via the Aire Valley Towpath along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal back to the start.
9. Bullerthorpe Wood, Temple Newsam House, and Charcoal Wood Circular (Moderate)
Rated 4.6 out of five, from 37 reviews
This scenic route winds through woodland and parkland around the estate, passing Temple Newsam House and the Home Farm with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Some sections can be rough in wetter conditions, and while dogs are allowed across much of the estate, they must be kept under close control and are restricted in certain areas.
10. Upper Lake and Waterloo Lake Circular (Easy)
Rated 4.7 out of five, from 101 revies
This circular route around Roundhay Park and Waterloo Lake offers a varied mix of woodland, open grassland, a folly and waterside paths with plenty of scenic views along the way.
While some paths are well surfaced, others can be rough and muddy in wetter conditions, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
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