The Best Yorkshire Walks For A Lockdown Catch Up

To celebrate being reunited with family and friends, albeit it still at a safe distance, we give you the very best Yorkshire walks. There’s nothing quite like setting the scene for the gossip to ensue.

4 Short Walks in Yorkshire

1. Agden Walk 3.5 miles

With vast amounts of tranquil and natural scenery for your viewing pleasure, you’d never know you were only 25 minutes from Sheffield’s bustling city centre. The walk itself is fairly level with only a few slight inclines, perfect for an ambient stroll to catch up with a friend.

2. Ilkley Moor 2.4 miles

A walk famous amongst Yorkshire families, this Ilkley Moor walk has some incredible viewpoints along the way. At only 2.4 miles, it’s an easy way to get a breath of fresh air without tiring yourself out too much. Don’t forget your frozen peas to feed the adorable ducks along the way.

3. Betty Eastwood Park Loop 0.7 miles

With tall trees shielding you and enough space to make sure nobody is listening, this is the perfect place to share your most prized secrets. During the warmer months, the flowers bloom and trees flourish helping it to becomes a beautiful sea of colour. This walk is also very dog friendly.

4. Roundhay Park Extended Circular 3.1 miles

Just outside of Leeds, this circular route around Roundhay Park lets you get lost in your chatting, without getting lost on your walk. A family-friendly setting with plenty to offer including a lake, birdwatching, and tonnes of room to run wild.

3 Moderate Walks in Yorkshire

1. Fewston and Timble Walk 6.2 miles

Boasting a mighty 6.2 miles, you’ll be lost for words at the breath-taking North Yorkshire scenery, but you’ll still have plenty to chat about. The terrain is mainly flat and wide, making it an accessible route for wheelchair users, but does include some steeper inclines and muddy trails, perfect for walking, running, or hiking.

2. Temple Newsam Leeds 5.2 miles

Perfect for a Sunday morning dog walk, or a relaxing sunset wander with a friend. Temple Newsam is an incredible Tudor-Jacobean estate with an equally as incredible woodland to match. If it’s rained the day before, it can become quite muddy, so don’t forget your wellies.

3. Leeds Canal Walk Circular 5 miles

If you don’t want to stray from the city, but want the rural scenery,  Leeds’ city canal walk has it all. Often a popular choice with plenty of chatter, you can be sure nobody is listening to your top-secret conversation. The terrain is accessible for all as it’s flat and mainly cemented paths with a few muddy paths, ideal for those using mobility scooters.

Long Walks in Yorkshire

1. York To Bishopthorpe 6.5 miles

This walk follows the route of the River Ouse and passes through the quaint town of Bishopthorpe. As this close to the town, easy to get to and isn’t strenuous, it’s the perfect walk to go on with much missed grandparents. Share your perfected chocolate chip cookie recipe with them, even though you know it will never be as good as your grandma’s.

2. Bolton Abbey to Barden Bridge Circular Walk 7 miles

The mixture of natural woodland, soothing river and untouched architecture is quite spectacular. In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this walk perfectly sets the scene for your long-anticipated lockdown catch up. If you’re not quite worn out just yet, take a detour to visit Simon’s Seat and Valley of Desolation waterfall – why not, you’re there anyway!

3. Blue Loop Walks Sheffield 8.3 miles

The Blue Loops Walk is a beautiful waterways walk taking you along the winding banks of the canal and River Don. Even though you’re in the city, the peaceful nature of this walk will mean your laughter can be heard for miles around.

4. Leeds City Owl Walk 8 miles

Not only will you get to experience the rich heritage of Leeds, but you’ll be on a fun hunt for 25 owls that have been hidden across the city, perfect for families of all ages. Whilst the children, or your partners, are scavenging for the hidden treasures, you can share tactics that you’ve been using to tire your family out so steal some along time.

To follow government guidance, some of these walks won’t be accessible until March 29^th when travel restrictions are eased. Similarly, please continue to respect the safe social distancing rule wherever possible.