If you’re a family who loves walking and the great outdoors, you may be looking for some good options for longer walks; walks that mean a day out, a possibility of a picnic, and a hopefully a pub or cafe somewhere along the way. You want more of a family hike than a potter, but something achievable for your adventurous children. Here are my suggestions for some GREAT family walks- all within a 90 minute drive of Leeds.
My favourite reservoir without question. Glorious woodland, some great moorland and easy navigation … it really is the perfect introduction to family hikes… without the distance. Highly, highly recommend.
Distance: 3 miles
Good for: A great introduction to family hikes for little walkers. I really don’t think anyone could be disappointed with a visit.
Read more about this walk here.
Whilst many walking fans head to Simon’s Seat in this area for a walk, the climb up to Hare’s Head is much more manageable for children and rewards you with some fantastic views!
Distance: 7 miles
Good for: Great moorland views, enjoying the ever-gorgeous Bolton Abbey, teaching children to navigate using a map, and a one if you want ‘a bit of everything’. If you want a bit of distance this one is top of my list.
Read more about this walk here.
When you walk this route, you honestly wont believe you’re so close to Wakefield’s City Centre! It is a beautiful walk, and if you haven’t visited Heath before you’re in for a treat there too.
Distance: 4 miles
Good for: Countryside views and enjoying one of my favourite country pubs; The King’s Arms at Heath
Read more about this walk here.
This beautiful walk starts at Haworth and takes you through Penistone Country Park to give you wonderful views over Lower Laithe Reservoir.
Distance: A little over 4 miles.
Good for: Feeling away from it all (although the route can get busy at times). Pretty easy navigation. Pass the Wuthering Heights Pub on the walk if you want to stop off.
Read more about this walk here.
You might have to share this walk with tourists, but there’s no arguing whether it’s worth it with the SIX spectacular falls you’ll see along your way.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Good for: Lovers of waterfalls. So basically everyone! If you’re not great with narrow bridges/ heights this one might not be for you!
Read more about this walk here.
Oooooh ok, this might not be a ‘big’ walk but I HAD to put it in because I just love this walk so much! Starting at the Waterton Visitor’s Centre (yep, the one where you start the Room on the Broom Trail). You get woodlands, fields, and even a glimpse of a reservoir!
Distance: 3 miles
Good for: Seeing a bit of woodland, a reservoir and finishing at a play area!
Read more about this walk here.
I’m classing this as a ‘big walk’ because you get a ‘big hill’ without a ‘big distance’. Instead of the usual full circular route from Castleton, how about the smaller 3 mile circuit from the National Trust Mam nick car park?
Distance: 3 miles (or 6.5 miles if you wanted a longer circuit from Castleton)
Good for: Views, views and views. And getting children to enjoy the achievement of climbing to the top of something big!
Read more about this walk here.
If you’re looking for more suggestions for walks around Leeds, then you’ve come to the right place!
Here are some more round up blogs of great walks in and around Leeds;
