Five Beautiful Autumnal Walks to take from Leeds
Thanks to its setting on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales and its proximity to the Peak District, Leeds is one of the best cities in the UK for long weekends in the great outdoors. Enjoy picturesque walks with your loved ones or take a little time to yourself this Autumn. If the UK weather works against you, you’ll find there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the city centre, too!
1. Ilkley Moor
Ilkley is a quaint spa town situated at the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, just a 30-minute train ride or a 40-minute drive from Leeds centre. The moor, which is part of the larger Rombalds Moor, is an expanse of natural moorland which lies directly above the town.
Ilkley Moor is one of the most accessible areas for walks close to Leeds, boasting a vast and rugged landscape with carpets of heather and small cliffs all around. Climb a little on your route and enjoy a breath of fresh autumnal air while you take in your surroundings.
2. Buckden Pike
Buckden Pike is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ best-known hills, with a clear route leading up the fell from nearby villages of Buckden, Starbotton, Kettlewkk, and Waldon. The area is difficult to access using public transport, so you’ll need a car to take this walk from Leeds.
Head up the more-than 700-metre hill to reach the grassy summit at the top. Depending on the route you take, there are several waterfalls which you might pass on the way.
3. Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey is one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in England, with an expansive park and river for visitors to explore. The perfect spot for a day out this autumn, Kirkstall Abbey is just a 12-minute drive from Leeds city centre.
Beautifully maintained as part of West Leeds Country Park, the grounds of the Abbey are ideal for an easy afternoon stroll that the whole family can enjoy. If you don’t feel like heading out into the Dales, this one is a perfect compromise.
4. Cave Dale
This rugged Peak District walk starts in Castleton, which is around a 90-minute drive from Leeds city centre. Well worth the journey, the Cave Dale walk passes through classic limestone scenery with breathtaking views across the valley to Castleton’s Great Ridge.
Autumn’s moody shades are sure to enhance the Cave Dale walk further, ensuring you’re in for a memorable day out and some great pictures to take home!
5. Ingleborough
Ingleborough is the second-highest mountain in Yorkshire and one of the Dales’ iconic Three Peaks. With a scenic circular route that’s easy to access from the village of Clapham, the Ingleborough walk is one of our favourites.
Take time to peek inside Gaping Gill, a natural cave on the slopes of Ingleborough with enough space to fit St Paul’s Cathedral inside.
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