Where Can I Walk In Bradford This Summer? Try These Local Trails For National Walking Month

May’s here, and it’s officially National Walking Month—aka the perfect excuse to lace up your trainers and head outside. If you're in or around Bradford, there's something fresh to explore this year: a new local project called Bradford on Foot. It’s all about celebrating walking, nature, and the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other.

Whether you’re a weekend wanderer, a dog-walker on a mission, or someone just looking for a break from the screen, there’s a route out there with your name on it.

What is ‘Bradford on Foot’ all about?

Think of it as Bradford’s way of reminding us there’s beauty (and history) right on our doorstep. ‘Bradford on Foot’ is a new walking campaign launched to coincide with National Walking Month, which runs throughout May. The idea? Encourage more people to explore the city’s green spaces, heritage sites, and nearby countryside—without needing a car or fancy kit.

One of the key highlights is the Yorkshire Heritage Way, a trail that connects Bradford Cathedral to Ripon Cathedral. It’s not just a scenic route, but also a kind of modern-day pilgrimage through villages, hills, and quiet paths many people have never seen before.

On 5th May 2025, the city welcomed walkers who had tackled this route over the Bank Holiday weekend, including a friendly bunch from Bingley Walkers are Welcome—a local walking group who know their way around a Yorkshire footpath or two.

Why walking in Bradford hits different

Let’s be honest—walking doesn’t always sound exciting. But Bradford’s got a few tricks up its sleeve. The city’s surrounded by countryside that’s not just easy on the eyes, it’s packed with stories too.

You could wander past mills that powered the Industrial Revolution, stroll canals where cargo once floated to and from Leeds, or climb hills that give you views stretching for miles. And because it's not as touristy as some spots, you often get the paths to yourself.

Bradford on Foot shines a light on lesser-known routes and walking events happening across the city. It’s not about hiking Everest—it’s about slowing down, spotting wildflowers, or finding a new café at the end of the lane.

What’s the Yorkshire Heritage Way?

The Yorkshire Heritage Way is a new long-distance walking trail launched in recent years. It runs for about 42 miles, linking Bradford with Ripon and connecting two Anglican cathedrals. It’s part pilgrimage, part adventure, part history lesson.

Walking the full route takes a couple of days, but you can also break it into shorter sections. Some of the highlights include:

• Saltaire – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with loads of Victorian charm
• Ilkley Moor – home to sheep, heather, and some properly dramatic views
• Fountains Abbey – one of the best-preserved ruined monasteries in England

You don’t have to do it all at once—many people just pick a stretch and make a day of it. Handy if you’re juggling work, kids, or just don’t fancy 42 miles in one go.

How can you get involved?

The best bit? You don’t need any gear or experience. Just comfortable shoes and maybe a waterproof (this is Yorkshire, after all).

Here’s how to get started:

• Head to the Bradford 2025 website for more info and route maps.
• Check out local groups like Bingley Walkers are Welcome if you prefer walking with others.
• Look up upcoming walks or community events tied to National Walking Month.
• Browse the dedicated pilgrimages page to find more walking ideas.

Why it matters now more than ever

After years of screens, stress, and sitting too much, walking is having a comeback. And not the gym-influencer kind. Just proper, fresh-air-in-your-face walking. It's free. It's good for your mood. And you get to discover new places without even leaving your postcode.

Bradford has often been overlooked when it comes to walking holidays, but projects like this show just how much it’s got to offer—especially for people who don’t want to drive for hours just to stretch their legs.

And if you're still not convinced? Think of it like this: walking's basically a mini-holiday for your brain. No pressure. No need to go far. Just head out the door and see where the path takes you.

o, where will you explore this summer? Whether it’s a full-on cathedral-to-cathedral trek or just a wander round your local park, Bradford’s ready when you are.