Just 20 minutes by train from Manchester and around 30 minutes from Leeds - sandwiched in the…read morePennines is the glorious Dovestones. Most people walk around the 1st reservoir and enjoy the stroll. You can however walk around as many as 4 reservoirs in total and increase the challenge. If your particularly fit or an experienced Walker then walk to the tops and enjoy some fantastic views. The place changes every day with the weather, and lots of different routes to take so you won't get bored. Always wear good shoes/boots and take your waterproofs just in case. There is ample parking on weekdays, but very busy at weekends.

Our mission to go for at least one walk in the great outdoors each month of 2016 continues - at…read moreDove Stone Reservoir up in the hills of Saddleworth. Hoping lots of folks would have been put off by the cold weather and fallen snow, our group were met by total carmageddon at the official car park (which was full on a Sunday lunchtime and proved difficult to find a space). After a couple of circuits without success, we drove back to the main road, up the hill a few hundred yards and found plenty of room at the Binn Green car park. It's supposed to be pay and display but there were no machines - double winner. We took a stepped path down from this car park (it's a tad muddy in winter so choose appropriate footwear) and then eventually met the main paved/gravelled route around the reservoir. It's pretty flat all the way and there are gorgeous views to be had, so lots of photo opportunities. The shorter circular route is about 3 miles, whereas if you include the route past Yeoman Hey and Greenfield Reservoirs this increases to 5 miles. We were getting hungry by this point so decided to just do the former!

This is another glorious place to visit in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. It's a little way…read moreoff past Ilkley and takes roughly an hour to drive to from Headingley, but man it is worth it for that view. It's literally on the border between Leeds and Harrogate and is one of those notorious walking spots for anyone local to the area. My boyfriend and I decided to drive out here, with our housemates who wanted to join us, for the August meteor shower as it was the highest and clearest place we could think of to escape Leeds' heavy light pollution. It was a lovely late night drive and once we'd navigated up those hellishly thin country roads we parked and began the hike. It takes maybe fifteen minutes or so to ascend to the top of the hill where there is, basically, a ruddy great big set of rocks at the top. For those sure of foot it's great fun to climb up them all - some being really quite a challenge, but given that it was pitch black at my first visit I decided not to risk life and limb. The view from all around is breathtaking! I will issue a warning though, these rocks are really huge and have some real ankle-twisting cracks inside. There are even some pretty nasty cracks big enough for the less careful climber to become wedged deep inside, which was my nightmare, so go really carefully around those bits! Sadly the meteor shower on that particular night was hampered by tons of mist, but it was a great night anyway. The views were worth the jaunt and about fifteen other people had the same idea as we, and so it turned out to be a fun night all in all. Totally worth checking out - get your hiking boots on!

I was overjoyed to discover such an amazing spot so near to Leeds city centre. Before I go on I…read moremust correct Rowena's review below - its no where near as far as Ilkley! Its not even as far a Otley. If you've ever been in the passenger seat of a car driving from Headingley to Otley and on the winding road downhill spotted a massive rock on top of a hill - that is Almscliff Crag. Its so easy to get to if you don't have a car too - from the city centre train station you can get the train that goes to Harrogate through Burley Park and Headingley and jump off the stop past Horsforth called Weeton. It takes about 20 minutes and once off the train, cross the road and follow the 'public footpath' signs with yellow arrows. I have been countless times when wanting a bit of the countryside but not wanting to go all the way out to the Moors or the Dales. I have occasionally gotten lost whilst not walking with someone who has done it before. You'll tramp through fields uphill then come to a sign that points a little downhill through a wooded area. I made the mistake of not following this sign and getting stuck in some fields full of cows once. Once you've reached the top you will be stunned - by the 180 degree panoramic view where you can see Leeds city centre one way and Harrogate another; by the sheer size and shape of the rock that appears to have been placed here, perfectly balancing; by the old graffiti carved into the rocks by fellow walkers. The top face of the rock is covered in dates and initials. The oldest I have found was from 1842! It was incredible to think that some one that long ago stood in the same spot and was awed by the view just like I was recently. So I fully encourage a visit to this place on a sunny day. Always good foot-ware like wellies or walking boots and a coat because no matter how warm feels at the bottom of the hill its usually pretty windy up there.

Lovely little trail. As we were staying at the Falls Caravan park, we were already at the top of…read morethe trail and had a lovley meander down into Ingleton. A little more challenging on the way back with some steep climbs, but take it easy at your own pace and the sense of achievement at the end is worth the effort.

This would be one of the main reasons to visit this quaint little town in the heart of North…read moreYorkshire. The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is an utter delight, and quite the walk, but well worth the visitors fee - which I believe was something like £5-8. The folks at the gate weren't massively welcoming, but you literally pay your fee, park up and get on foot so it's not too bad. (And of course, we can assume the fee goes toward the upkeep of this place of natural beauty.) A word of warning -the car park is laid out in the most bizarre way, with tiny tiny spaces, and it seems a popular spot for caravans so I'd advise getting there early to ensure a space. Or give in to a good fifteen minutes of adjusting the frustrating labyrinth it can become. Anyway. The walk itself is several miles long, and can take up to four hours depending on your speed, but you'd be hard pressed for a more beauteous journey. With gorgeous copper water flowing the whole route around, due to the peet, the walk is lush with greenery. You'll be clambering up steep rock steps, ascending the hills, traversing across the mountainous dales, and view five incredible waterfalls along the way. There's even a cafe at about a third of the way along, for a coffee stop, and if you're spritely like me you can make it in two and a half hours-even stopping to photograph everything. Essentially, it's what I love about this country the most. England's pastures green, and all that. My favourite spot is the little Oak copse about half way home. Being autumn when I was there, it was exquisite and resplendent in orange hue, and so peaceful with the water roaring in the background, the birds, and the air. You'll feel right, when you're here, and without a care in the world. Outstanding.

When I'm stressed, unimpressed, or my head's in need of rest, Beckett Park is my playground. I'm so…read morefortunate in that I'm a stone's throw away from it and can go for a walk/cross march whenever I need to clear my head. Considering that Beckett Park is literally slap-bang next to Leeds uni Headingley campus, it's hardly ever packed with people. I find it odd if I see more than 3 joggers whenever I go for an amble. I take the route via Churchwood Avenue into a thick arch of towering trees, the sky above stained with lush green leaves. it's easy to see why this was the childhood haven of many Leeds dwellers. I can just see the myriad games of Robin Hood / Manhunt / Hide and seek that must've gone down here. Biking through this strip of woodland must be very liberating! This park is beautiful at any time of the year, so if you're looking for a scenic setting to your morning jog you could do alot worse!

I realise my review may be somewhat tainted by the arrival of the snows but, when stripped of such…read moreexciting weather, I think Beckett's Park will still offer up plenty of fun and games. Literally ten minutes from Headingley you can walk straight up St. Anne's Road and you will have arrived at Beckett's Park. To the left there is the option to go for a mini woodland walk, in the midst of the suburban Headingley area, or you can carry on and in front of you to the park area itself. It might not be the largest space but it's big enough for a decent game of rounders/football and is surrounded by picturesque trees and greenery. Lots of fun! There's also a cute little bench, perfect for a sandwich and a light read. In terms of snow related fun I have been snow boarding - using a wheel-less mountain board as a snow board - down the hills of Beckett's Park! It is like, totally awesome. Be warned though, snowboard at your own risk - injuries are very possible - I have come away with a sprained posterior. You may laugh now but it's not great walking around with a limp and having to explain exactly where it hurts...

I am from the United States but often visit my family up in Wakefield, so I often end up taking a…read moregood stroll through here. It is a lovely walk! It's short but too short so it's great to take the young ones and dogs! The pubs nearby are great! The park itself is quite clean and free from litter, unlike the local parks back in California. The one problem that did cost a star though, are the toilets. THEY ARE FILTHY! I hear they you have to pay to get in now, which I can totally understand! First of all, they are metal and have no seats. But to be honest, they'd be in pieces if they were porcelain XD. There is graffiti all over the walls. Every time I've gone the floor is a lake of urine. However, that's really the only problem

As the previous reviewer said, this is a real gem. There are a number of walks of various lengths…read morebased around the dam, and all are very picturesque. Kids will love playing in the surrounding woodland and feeding the ducks in the dam, and at least two of the walks are wheelchair friendly, as we used to take my brother there in his. It's easy to get to and a nice afternoon out (especially as there are an ice cream van and plenty of pubs nearby!) I'm not sure how much the car park costs, but there are buses from Wakefield town centre and obviously, the walk is free!

As picturesque as it gets in Bolton, the Jumbles is a firm favourite for locals and outsiders…read morealike. This was at full testimony on my last walk (Sunday) when the weather had perked up a little as almost half of Bolton had decided to do the same! That could sound quite negative but it's definitely not, theres room and space for all. Most would say it's better when the sun is shining and you don't need to wrap up like you're about to tackle an blizzard on Snowdon, but sometimes it's just as beautiful to walk round when it's bitterly cold and the trees are frosting in stead of blooming. I'm very lucky to have this on my doorstep although I don't utilise it enough. If you're looking for a new walking route or a different reservoir to explore, make the Jumbles your next stop - and call in at my house for a cuppa on your way out!

Simply stunning, make sure you are in good shape for a hearty walk. Take your camera.read more

One thing I've learned about the English is how much they love a good long walk in the countryside…read more(we Americans might call it a hike), and this cliffside walk from Whitby to Robin Hoods Bay is one of my favourites. If you are in good shape with hiking boots and you're not afraid of a little mud you should be able to complete the trail within 3 hours. The views are stunning the entire way - deep cliffs to the ocean on one side, sheep grazing land on the other - so bring a camera. You also might want to pack some snacks and water so you don't arrive completely knackered. However, the many pubs and cafes in Robin Hoods Bay will satisfy (and won't mind your muddy boots). Once you've finished exploring Robin Hood's Bay, I recommend taking the 93 bus back to Whitby, which you catch near the corner of Thorpe Ln and Station Rd. It's worth checking the schedule because the bus only comes once and hour (there is also info about taxi service at the bus stop). (It's a little tricky to find the trailhead in Whitby because of the receding coastline. It's currently just after the farmhouse on the left as you away from Whitby Abbey.)

As a gift for my boyfriend's birthday a couple of years ago I organised a trip up to Ingleborough…read moreCave. I wasn't sure what to expect but I love day trips out and it was a great excuse to get out in Yorkshire and have a lovely day in the sun. A bunch of us piled into a couple of cars and set off. I think having the day so full on sunshine helped but the location was utterly beautiful. We arrived in the little town nearby and parked up right near a beautiful waterfall, which stemmed from the caves, and ensuing river. There were beautiful old buildings and gorgeous flowers everywhere! A brief fifteen minute walk along the most beautiful countryside, in a deep valley, and we reached the caves. Fortunately we were just in time for the next tour, which occur every hour. We each picked up a hard hat before entering and were on our way. The lady who showed us around was lovely, really very knowledgeable and direct, and when the lights suddenly completely went out, kept us calm by very quickly explaining they were on a timer and there was no need to worry! (That bit was a little hairy!) Features worthy of note include 'Lady Victoria's Bloomers' - a rock formation that really look a little more like something in the nether regions of the male of the species to me, but were dubbed thus in (obviously) the Victorian times. The tour took about 50 minutes and was really interesting, the stalagmites and stalagtites are just beautiful. There are all the standard amenities, drinks, food, snacks and such, but my favourite feature was the gift shop! So many shinys! There were hoards of gemstones, keyrings, gifts, salt lamps and all sorts of beautiful items - most of which were much cheaper than most gift shops in town. All in all this was one of the best days out I've had in my time up north - well worth the (albeit lengthy) trip!

Unexpected woodland gorge walk owned and cared for by the woodland trust. Just a small car park at…read morethe entrance for about 12 cars but another area just 100 yards up the road. A leaflet is available showing various walk lengths. It's not suitable for disabled or wheelchair users. There are some steep banks, steps & terraced paths. A number of follies are doted around the valley, including a hand pumped fountain. No toilets available. Great views over the vale of York. Ideal for family exploration. Blue Bells Galore at the right time of year. It's FREE!

A natural underground cave complex in which regular guided tours are led by guides. There is a…read morepaved walkway with a few steps. Dramatic lighting has been installed that highlights features. It is really beautiful in the caves and the history although including an element of myth is interesting too. It is quite cold in the caves so take a jacket or coat

During a family weekend in Buxton the weather turned a bit miserable so we decided to sack off the…read morehiking and head to the caves for some shelter. A large school trip beat us to the mark so we had to wait 45 minutes for another tour. There's a good size cafe and a small shop attached to the caves so we sat and had hot drinks and freshly baked cakes whilst we waited. The cakes were absolutely delicious and the portion sizes were more than generous. As the caves are situated next to Go Ape (a tree top adventure park) there's plenty going on around it. There's a forest that you can walk through with various lengths and difficulties of walk. So there's definitely plenty to see and do whilst visiting. We were called to the cave entrance once the school trip had finished and we were welcomed to the caves. Basic health and safety rules were stated and then the tour began taking us underground into the depths of the caves. The staff are full of knowledge so the tour was very educational as well as interesting. Each tour lasts around 45 minutes and the staff are happy tour answer any questions you may have. Please note the caves stay at a constant temperature of 7 degree so no matter what the weather outside you're going to need a light jacket when in the cave.