Walks in Wibsey
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Wibsey on foot.
Walk: Great Northern Railway Trail
Enjoy this walk along part of the old disused Bradford to Keighley railway line. This section covers the two stunning viaducts at Cullingworth and Thornton the best examples of repurposed railways routes in the region. The Route what3words for start point: ///decent.repair.talked Start Point: Thornton Finish Point: Cullingworth Distance: 6 Miles GPX Route Map great-northern-railway-trail-1Download Walk Description Opened in the 1860's the route from Bradford to Keighley was known as the Switchback or Alpine route due to the large number of viaducts and tunnels that had to be build to navigate the geography of this part of Bradford. This walk starts in Queensbury where you can see face to face the Queensbury tunnel, at just over a mile long, which is currently at the heart of a campaign to reopen as a walking route to Halifax. Follow the fairly flat route towards Thornton and over it's magnificent viaduct. The views down the valley to the city are simply beautiful. Look out for the school at the viaduct's end, this is the site of the old station. Follow the signs to Wellshead tunnel where you'll need to follow the route over the fields above the tunnels towards Denholme. Once there you'll pick up the route again towards Cullingworth to the even more stupendous Heweden viaduct. This 14 span structure is even more impressive due to it's curve and views over the reservoir and Bronte moorland. The route continues for another mile into the lovely village of Cullingworth where you find a nice cafƩ at the village hall for refuelling and a caffeine pick me up. This walk can be split up into separate sections in Thornton and Cullingworth which are accessible friendly.
Walk: The Spen Valley Greenway
This fantastic urban walk is along the old Spen Valley railway line that used to link Bradford to London directly, via Wakefield. This was closed in the 1960's as part of the Beeching cuts but has been revitalised by being appropriated as walk and cycle route. The Route spen-valley-greenwayDownload what3words for start point: ///congratulations.beams.junior Start Point: Low Moor Finish Point: Dewsbury Distance: 8 Miles GPX Route Map Walk Description Starting at Low Moor Train station in the outskirts of Bradford you follow the route of the railway line. This is a paved all the way and an easy walk for all. Enjoy the heritage of the bygone railway age as you pass through several tunnels and sights of former stations. Keep an eye out for the signs of where they used to be sighted by spotting old platforms, stairways and the odd lantern enroute. The route runs parallel to the M606 and actually crossed the M62 on an old railway bridge, there aren't many walks that cut over a major motorway! Follow the route and enjoy the art installations, including sheep and many call backs to the old usage of this stroll. Follow this through Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, Liversedge and on towards Dewsbury where at the end of the walk you can join the river walk into the centre of the town.
Walk: Bradford City Centre Heritage Trail
This self-guided walk takes you around Bradfordās historic and fascinating city centre, highlighting some of its remarkable architecture and other features of interest. Your walk will take in landmarks of all ages and styles - from medieval to modern - to show how Bradford has developed over the ages. The Route what3words for start point: ///groups.moves.cave Start Point: City Park Mirror Pool and Fountain, Peel Centre, Bradford BD1 1SD Finish Point: Bradford Cathedral, 1 Stott Hill, Bradford BD1 4EH Distance: 2.7 Miles GPX Route Map bradfordcityherDownload Walk Description We recommend beginning the walk at City Park, but it can be picked up and followed at any point on the route. The first part of the walk should take approximately two hours, although may be a little longer if you choose to include the Little Germany and Cathedral parts of the route. Bradford gets its name from a large stream, probably where it was once crossed by an ancient Roman road. This āBroad fordā of water was probably located near to the site of the current Cathedral. Highlights along the route: Bradford City Hall is one of Bradfordās most distinctive buildings. The original building, with its āItalianateā clocktower, was opened in 1873 and was designed by Bradford architects Lockwood and Mawson. The Wool Exchange symbolises the great wealth and importance which Bradford had gained from the wool trade by the mid-19th century. St. Georgeās Hall built in 1851ā53 and the first major public building by Lockwood and Mawson. It is a truly grand building, designed as a classical temple on a podium. Little Germany - a compact area of late Victorian warehouses and offices built on a steep slope and having a highly distinctive character of its own. The Cathedral Close provides a fine vantage point from which to appreciate the townscape and terrain of the ever-changing city and to conclude this walk.
Walk: Yorkshire Heritage Way
The Yorkshire Heritage Way is a long-distance walking route spanning 42 miles through West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire. Linking the vibrant city of Bradford with the historic cathedral city of Ripon, the trail takes in two UNESCO World Heritage SitesāSaltaire and Fountains Abbeyāalong with stunning countryside across Baildon Moor, the Washburn Valley and Nidderdale. Designed to connect urban and rural landscapes, the route blends spiritual, cultural, and natural heritage in one continuous and varied journey. The Route what3words for start point: ///purely.state.movesStart & Finish Point: Bradford Cathedral to Ripon CathedralDistance: 42 miles (68 km) GPX Route Map yorkshireheritagewayDownload Walk Description The Yorkshire Heritage Way begins at Bradford Cathedral, an ancient place of worship in the heart of the city, and heads north along green corridors and towpaths toward the model village of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its industrial and social history. From Saltaire, the route climbs gradually through Shipley Glen and out onto Baildon Moor, where wide views open across the moorland. The path then descends toward Burley in Wharfedale, where walkers must cross the River Wharfeāeither by a traditional stepping stone crossing or by diverting two miles upstream to Denton Bridge. A new footbridge here has been a long-standing ambition of the local community. Entering North Yorkshire, the trail winds through Timble, past Blubberhouses Church, and into the Washburn Valley, climbing toward Thruscross Reservoir before descending into the wooded reaches near Glasshouses. Soon after, the dramatic formations of Brimham Rocks offer a spectacular natural landmark. The final stretch leads to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park, a second UNESCO site combining Cistercian ruins with Georgian water gardens and deer-filled parkland. The walk concludes at Ripon Cathedral, a fittingly peaceful end to a route rich in history, beauty and Yorkshire character.
Walk: The Kirklees Way
The Kirklees Way is a scenic long-distance footpath that encircles the metropolitan borough of Kirklees in West Yorkshire, England. Spanning approximately 72 miles (116 km), this circular route offers a diverse and captivating journey through some of the region's most picturesque landscapes Designed for those seeking both a physical challenge and an opportunity to connect with the area's history and environment, the Kirklees Way provides a comprehensive experience of West Yorkshire's rural charm and historical depth. Whether undertaken in sections or as a complete circuit, the route promises a rewarding adventure for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. The Route what3words for start point: ///squeaking.thanks.kinks Start Point: Marsden Railway Station Finish Point: Marsden Railway Station Distance: 72 Miles GPX Route Map kirklees-way-west-yorkshireDownload Walk Description Marsden The journey often begins in the village of Marsden, nestled in the Colne Valley. Known for its rugged Pennine landscapes, Marsden is the gateway to the Standedge Tunnel, the longest, highest, and deepest canal tunnel in Britain. Wessenden Valley and Reservoirs From Marsden, the path leads into the Wessenden Valley, home to a series of reservoirs, including Wessenden Reservoir and Wessenden Head Reservoir. This area is known for its stunning moorland views and is a haven for wildlife. Black Hill and Holme Valley Continuing east, the route ascends Black Hill, one of the highest points in West Yorkshire, offering panoramic views. It then descends into the Holme Valley, passing through the village of Holme, known for its proximity to Digley Reservoir and Brownhill Reservoir. Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe Further along, the route passes through the villages of Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe. Denby Dale is known for its famous giant pies and the Denby Dale Viaduct, while Skelmanthorpe offers a glimpse of traditional Yorkshire village life. Clayton West and the Dearne Valley The path continues through Clayton West, then follows the Dearne Valley into the village of Flockton, offering a mix of wooded areas and open fields. Grange Moor and Emley Moor The path then heads towards Grange Moor and the towering Emley Moor Mast, the tallest freestanding structure in the UK. The mast is a significant landmark visible from miles around. Thornhill and Dewsbury As the route heads back towards the west, it passes through Thornhill, known for its historic Thornhill Parish Church and Dewsbury. Dewsbury is a large market town with significant historical architecture and a bustling town centre. Huddersfield The route skirts the town of Huddersfield, a vibrant town known for its impressive architecture, including the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and Lockwood Viaduct. The route offers glimpses of the town before continuing into more rural areas. Scapegoat Hill and Deanhead Scapegoat Hill is a small, elevated village that stands proudly on the hillside, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Continuing on the Kirklees Way, the route leads you to Deanhead, a remote area characterized by its rugged moorland terrain and a sense of isolation that feels far removed from the bustling towns below. Deanhead lies in the upper reaches of the Deanhead Reservoir. This section of the walk is particularly appealing to those who enjoy the raw beauty of the Pennines. Return to Marsden The route completes the circle as it returns to Marsden, bringing the journey full circle. Here, walkers can reflect on the varied landscapes, rich history, and natural beauty encountered along the Kirklees Way. Key Landmarks: Standedge Tunnel (Marsden) Wessenden Reservoirs Black Hill Digley and Brownhill Reservoirs Victoria Tower (Castle Hill) Emley Moor Mast Denby Dale Viaduct Thornhill Parish Church This journey through the Kirklees Way provides a comprehensive exploration of the area's natural and cultural heritage, making it a rewarding experience for hikers and history enthusiasts alike.