Expect golden leaves and stunning views as you wander through God’s Own Country…
Autumn is a beautiful season, especially if you love a good old walk through the countryside. The air is crisp and the leaves are falling from the trees to form a golden footpath through some of the most breathtaking parts of Yorkshire. I’ve found a few autumn rambles, from beautiful waterfalls to leafy woodlands – which one will you do first?
Hardcastle Crags Mill Walk
The 3-mile Mill Walk around Hardcastle Crags is perfect for a leisurely autumn stroll. You’ll enjoy lovely views of Hebden Beck as you wander up the riverside path to Gibson Mill, a remnant of the area’s industrial past. From here, head into the beautiful wooded valley, which is covered in leaves from the massive oak and beech trees all around. If you look closely, you’ll be able to see loads of different types of mushrooms on the ground and possibly a few deer.
The Hardcastle Crags Mill Walk starts at Midgehole Car Park, Midgehole Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7AL.
May Beck and Falling Foss Circular
This spectacular 2-mile walk brings together breathtaking waterfalls and magical woodland scenery. Start at the May Beck car park, before you head through the picturesque woodland to Midge Hall, an old gamekeeper’s cottage where you can stop at the quaint Falling Foss Tea Garden. Grab a quick cuppa, then nip round to the 30-foot Falling Foss waterfall. After you’ve taken in the views, return to the start, as you go back through the woods, but this time alongside May Beck.
The May Beck and Falling Foss Circular starts at May Beck Car Park, Sneaton, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5JE.
Swinsty Reservoir
Swinsty Reservoir and the adjacent Fewston Reservoir are beautiful Yorkshire landmarks all year round, but this scenic spot is given new life during autumn. Take an anti-clockwise walk around Swinsty, which is lined almost all the way around by trees – the leaves create a lovely red, orange and gold carpet for you to walk on. There are incredible views along this 3-mile walk, as you look out across the Washburn Valley in the distance, and take in Norwood Edge Plantation, Fewston Embankment and Swinsty Hall.
The Swinsty Reservoir walk starts at Swinsty & Fewston Reservoir Car Park, North Yorkshire, LS21 2NP.
The Osmotherley Moors
This 5.2-mile walk through the Osmotherley Moors is stunning in autumn. It takes you along the Hambleton Hills, the westernmost part of the North York Moors. You’ll climb towards Arncliffe Wood, before you stop to take in the panoramic views across the Vale of Mowbray. From here, head through the ancient forest to Beacon Hill and make your way back down through the trees on Scarth Wood Moor until you reach the incredibly pretty Cod Beck Reservoir. It’s a sight to behold, so stop a while before you return to Osmotherley village.
The Osmotherley Moors walk starts at Ruebury Lane, Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, DL6 3AW.
Fell Beck Circular
This 4.7-mile walk has the lot – stunning 360° views, incredible landmarks and beautiful autumnal woodlands. You’ll start by walking up to Brimham Rocks, a collection of unique rock formations that look out across Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Once you’ve taken in the views, make your way across the fields to Fell Beck, which you follow downstream, through the picture-perfect woods and along the River Nidd to Knox Hall – look out for alpacas and goats in the fields to your right as you pass, before you reach the start again.
The Fell Beck Circular starts at Brimham Rocks, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW.
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