Walks in Addingham
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Addingham on foot.
Walk: Addingham and Bolton Abbey
A walk of real contrasts on the southern fringes of the Yorkshire Dales. With spectacular views from Chelker Reservoir to riverside walking on the Wharfe and the highlight an unusual approach to Bolton Abbey. The Route what3words for start point: ///donation.outfit.nightlife Start Point: Addingham, near the church Finish Point: Addingham Distance: 8.5 Miles GPX Route Map addleboroughandboltonabbeyDownload Walk Description From the village of Addingham near Ilkley climb through a golf course to Chelker Reservoir. After a short detour to the excellent view point at Haw Pike drop down to the River Wharfe. Continue along the Wharfe to Bolton Abbey, in fact an Augustinian priory. Cross the river and return to Bolton Bridge. Here join the Dales Way and follow The River Wharfe back to Addingham.
Walk: Beamsley Hill from Ilkley
Beamsley Beacon is situated overlooking the A59 near Bolton Abbey. The walk from Ilkley is across some beautiful moors with impressive views. The Route what3words for start point: ///rebounds.fists.blazing Start Point: Myddelton Grange, Langbar Rd, Ilkley LS29 0EB Finish Point: Myddelton Grange, Langbar Rd, Ilkley LS29 0EB Distance: 9 Miles GPX Route Map beamsleybeaconfromilkleyDownload Walk Description 1 mile due north from the centre of Ilkley there is some parking. Leave the car, head up the road to a sharp bend. Continue on a farm track for 1 mile to an indistinct bridleway heading due north. The path crosses the grouse moors (look for the shooting hut) before climbing to Round Hill. Round Hill is nothing special despite being the highest point in the area. Double back south east and enjoy the views on the 1 mile wide grassy ridge to Beamsley Beacon. The Beacon is one of the many cross country beacons primed for lighting during the Spanish Armada or the potential invasion of Napoleon. The return from the beacon is via some quiet country roads and pretty hamlets.
Walk: Ilkley to Addingham
This route is just over 5 miles and starts from the Roman Fort in the Victorian spa town of Ilkley. Ilkley is a picturesque spa town in Yorkshire and the perfect start for this circular walk to Addingham. The Route what3words for start point: ///stepping.durations.siesta Start Point: Roman Fort, Ilkley Finish Point: Ilkley Distance: 5 Miles GPX Route Map ilkleytoaddinghamDownload Walk Description This route is just over 5 miles and starts from the Roman Fort in the Victorian spa town of Ilkley. Ilkley is a picturesque spa town in Yorkshire and the perfect start for this circular walk to Addingham. You will firstly take in a section of the Dales Way long distance trail along the River Wharfe where you can then cross via a suspension foot bridge and return through the countryside via Nesfield, Low Austby and Owler Park. Part of the Roman Fort wall can still be seen near the town's old Manor House Art Gallery & Museum, here you will pick up the Dales Way and follow it along the river to Addingham. The town itself has pubs and cafes, the ideal refreshment stop at the halfway mark. Once you have crossed the bridge the route climbs past the Castleberge Fort (thought to be iron age) which sits at the top of a natural sizeable hill at a bend in the river. From here you continue to Nesfield and Low Austby where you head through the woodland of Owler Park before descending back to the river and the town. If you wish to venture a little further you could explore nearby Bolton Abbey or head to Ilkley Moor.
Walk: Stanza Stones Trail
The Stanza Stones Trail is a captivating journey that weaves together the beauty of the West Yorkshire landscape with the power of poetry. This unique trail spans approximately 47 miles (75 kilometers) and is a tribute to the rich literary heritage of the region, featuring six original poems by Simon Armitage, the UK's Poet Laureate. Carved into stones along the trail, these verses are inspired by the elements, offering a profound connection between the natural environment and the written word. Route Start Point: what3words for start point: ///touched.crouching.materials Distance: 5 miles Start Location Name: Marsden Train Station Finish Location: Ilkley Train Station OS Route Map & GPX File stanzastonestrailDownload Route Description The Stanza Stones Trail begins in the bustling town of Marsden, located on the edge of the Peak District. From Marsden, the trail ascends through picturesque moorland, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The first poem, "Snow," can be found at Pule Hill, a location that perfectly captures the stark beauty of the moors, especially during winter months. Along the way, hikers will discover the "Rain" stanza carved near Blackstone Edge, where the relentless weather of the Pennines is encapsulated in verse. The "Mist" stone is located at Nab Hill Oxenhope. The Dew Stone is at Rivock Edge, Silsden. Continuing eastward, the trail leads to the village of Ilkley, crossing rugged terrains and passing through valleys that echo the poetic essence of Yorkshire. As you approach Ilkley Moor, the "Puddle" stanza awaits, hidden among the iconic rocks of this famous landscape. Down in the valley, the "Beck" Stone is at Backstone Beck Ilkley. This trail, with its combination of stunning landscapes and evocative poetry, is a celebration of Yorkshire's natural and cultural heritage, offering an unforgettable adventure for all who walk it.
Dales Way Walk
Starting in Ilkley and finishing on the shores of Lake Windermere, the Dales Way is a 78 mile walk through the Yorkshire Dales and into the Lake District. The Route Start Point: Ilkley Finish Point: Windermere Distance: 78 Miles Getting there Ilkley is easily accessed by bus, train, car and is only a short taxi ride from Leeds-Bradford Airport. GPX Route Map DalesWayDownload Walk Description This walk was initially devised by the West Riding Ramblers' Association with the 'leading lights' being Colin Speakman and Tom Wilcock (Footpath Secretary). The route was announced to the public in 1968 and the first recorded crossing was by a group of Bradford Grammar School Venture Scouts in 1969. The first half of the walk follows the River Wharfe upstream to the main watershed of Northern England at Ribblehead. The second half follows several river valleys (Dentdale, River Mint, River Kent) to descend to the shores of Windermere. Most walkers tackling this route take about a week, in sections of 10 to 15 miles per day and taking a rest day or two. Accommodation Staying the night near the Buckden to Gearstones section is possible at: Oughtershaw Hall The George Inn, Hubberholme Nethergill Farm Luggage help If you would like help with planning or transporting luggage on this route, the Dales Way Association has a list here: http://www.dalesway.org/services.htm
Walk: The Ebor Way
The Ebor Way is a long-distance walking route that stretches approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) across the scenic landscapes of Yorkshire. It connects the historic market town of Helmsley in North Yorkshire with the riverside town of Ilkley in West Yorkshire, traversing a variety of terrains and offering walkers a rich blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and charming villages. Route Start Point: what3words for start point: ///gladiator.case.flagging Distance: 70 miles Start Location Name: Helmsley Finish Location: Ilkley OS Route Map & GPX File eborwayDownload Description Starting Point: Helmsley Helmsley Castle: The route begins in the picturesque market town of Helmsley, renowned for its medieval castle. Duncombe Park: Passing through the estate of Duncombe Park, offering views of its stately home and gardens. North York Moors National Park Rievaulx Abbey: The path leads to the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery. Moorland and Woodland: Walkers traverse the North York Moors, experiencing a mix of heather-clad moorland and dense woodland. Market Towns and Villages Ampleforth: The trail passes through this village, known for Ampleforth Abbey and its apple orchards. Coxwold: Famous for its church, St. Michael's, and Shandy Hall, the home of writer Laurence Sterne. Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Kilburn White Horse: The route offers a view of this large hill figure carved into the limestone. Castle Howard: Near the trail, this magnificent stately home and its grounds provide a detour worth considering. River Derwent River Crossings: The Ebor Way crosses the River Derwent, offering serene riverside walking. York City Walls and Minster: Walkers enter the historic city of York, where the route skirts the ancient city walls and the iconic York Minster. Micklegate Bar: One of the medieval gateways into the city. Vale of York Flat Farmland: The trail crosses the Vale of York, characterized by flat, fertile farmland. Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Ripley Castle: The route goes through the grounds of Ripley Castle, a historic country house. Nidderdale Views: Walkers enjoy panoramic views of Nidderdale’s rolling hills and valleys. Wharfedale Otley Chevin: The path climbs Otley Chevin, a prominent hill offering spectacular views of Wharfedale. Riverside Walks: The trail follows sections of the River Wharfe, providing pleasant riverside scenery. Ending Point: Ilkley Ilkley Moor: The route concludes at the famous Ilkley Moor, known for its rugged beauty and the iconic Cow and Calf rocks. Ilkley Town: The walk ends in the spa town of Ilkley, a perfect place to relax and explore after completing the trail. Get on the trail The Ebor Way offers a diverse walking experience through some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful and historically rich landscapes. From the moors and woodlands to riverside paths and urban heritage sites, the route encapsulates the essence of Yorkshire's natural and cultural treasures.