The best walks near Bradford
Just as there are plenty of activities for adults, children, couples and families in Bradford, there are also great times to be had nearby, exploring the beautiful walking routes in West Yorkshire. Despite the area’s industrial roots, there are actually many scenic rural areas waiting for you just outside the city centre. Here’s our pick of the best walks in Bradford and its surrounding areas. The LoyalFree team has included something for everyone, from 14 mile hikes to simple walks anyone can complete.
If you’re more interested in what’s going on in Bradford itself though, don’t worry – LoyalFree’s guide to the town will help you find a great day out and a great deal, no matter whether you’re looking for an awesome dining experience, a museum, local music gig, or if you’re looking to celebrate the city’s rich history in Television and film (and more), or the upcoming City of Culture 2025 celebrations.
For now though, let’s get back on track (quite literally) and take a look at the very best walks near Bradford:
Judy Woods
This serene, tranquil root is a great place to walk through in Autumn. The route can be found on the Bradford.Gov website, and begins at Park Bottom, going past Royds Hall Farm. It takes around an hour to complete, depending on your walking pace.
Keighley Moor
This circular walk is thirty minutes away from Bradford, and is one for more experienced walkers, as the terrain is slightly rough. The six-mile route begins at Morkin Bridge.
You’ll come to the Pennine way and pass by the stone wall on Old Bess Hill and Hitching Stone. The District Council website includes the walk here.
Eccleshill History Trail
If you’re a fan of historical sites, then this two-hour trail is worth doing. Taking around two hours to complete, the route takes you past some of the most culturally significant locations in Eccleshill. You’ll pass The Quaker House and the burial ground of Salem Chapel, as well as St Luke’s Church, which has beautiful Gothic architecture.
Aire Valley
Above the Aire Valley is a four mile walk which starts at Keighley Railway Station on Bradford Road. It’s best suited to those who feel their fitness levels are up to it, as there’s a steep uphill walk through Park Wood. On the way, you pass Laithe Farm and the ‘Druids Altar’ boulder. Look out for the carved sculptures, which are found among the trees in the St Ives estate.
Lady Blantyre’s Rock
This walk is around five miles long, and is a circular route which starts at Keighley Railway Station. It takes you to Lady Blantyre’s Rock, so-called because it was Lady Blantyre’s favourite place to sit. You’ll pass through Park Wood Top and disused quarries on your way.
Ilkley Moor
Although it’s a short drive away from Bradford (around 40 minutes), it’s worth visiting Ilkley for its beauty. A hiking tour suitable for those with good fitness, highlights of this route are the Cow and Calf rocks, Apostles Stone Circle and a Stanza Stone loop. It’s just under 6 miles long, and takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
Silsden & Skipton Moor loop
Starting at Addingham, this ‘expert level’ 14.4 mile long route is recommended for those with a very good fitness level. The paths are mostly accessible, although you’ll need to be sure-footed. Enjoy the views from the summit of Skipton Moor.
Haworth (The Railway Children Walk)
Suitable for all skill levels, this hiking tour includes easily-accessible paths and takes just over two hours to complete. The starting point is accessible with public transport. The route is filled with historical highlights; you’ll pass Oakworth Station, which was closed in 1962 but was reopened as a heritage railway, and has been used in several period films. Around 50 minutes into your walk you’ll come across the Three Chimneys House, where the children live in the classic book.
The Bronte Way Loop
At just under 8 miles long, this route requires good fitness levels. Most of the paths are accessible on this walk, which begins at Haworth, and takes you past sights which are said to have inspired Wuthering Heights.
Druid’s Altar Loop from Bingley
This tour is 6.8 miles long and takes around 3 hours to complete. The paths are all easily-accessible, making it suitable for all skill levels. You begin at Beckfoot Lane and come to Druid’s Altar, an outcrop of rocks looking down on the Aire Valley. Be sure to wear good walking boots – the terrain is often muddy.
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