If you’ve heard of the Bronte sisters, you’ve heard of Haworth. And if you’ve heard of the Bronte sisters, you’ve likely heard of the Bronte myth – a narrative that the sisters lived in a gloomy, rural village and lived in desolate poverty and isolation. Haworth walks are the best way to challenge or confirm the Bronte myth. When you visit Haworth, you’ll have access to a massive network of hiking routes from the Bronte Way (three guesses what that involves) and nearby reservoirs like Leeming and Keighley Reservoir. Haworth is actually one of the most famous Yorkshire film locations – used in everything from Wild Child to Peaky Blinders. By exploring the walks in Haworth, you can experience the beauty and occasional aesthetic gloominess of the town’s surroundings.
In this guide, we’ll give you the top 25 walks in Haworth that you should absolutely tick off on your next visit. These are year-round walks, ideal in spring and summer, but equally beautiful things to do in Yorkshire in autumn or winter. Let’s see which most appeals to you.
1. Bronte Way
Distance: 43 miles
Highlights: Landmarks and areas that inspired the Bronte works
If you want long-distance walks in Haworth, the Bronte Way is the king of kings. This 43-mile beast of a walk starts at Oakwell Hall – which inspired Fieldhead in Shirley – and takes you all the way to Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham. It is usually tackled over three to four days, although the ambitious could try to walk the Bronte Walk in a weekend. It passes through Haworth’s centre and is the ultimate walk near Haworth to discover Bronte heritage and embrace blustering moorlands. You’ll pass the birthplace of the Bronte sisters, Ponden Hall, which inspired Thrushcross Grange in Wuthering Heights, and the Bronte Waterfall. You’ll even venture into the boundaries of the Pendle Witch Country – another literature and historical draw.
We suggest stopping overnight in Haworth. This way, you can visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum and really sap up the literary culture in the town. Thornton is another great stop-off point since the route directly cuts through Thornton’s town centre.
2. Leeming Reservoir Walk
Distance: 2.2 miles
Highlights: Scenic water views with bird-watching opportunities
Leeming Reservoir is one of the easiest circular walks in Haworth – or technically circular walks near Haworth since it is a 20-minute bus ride from the town centre. The non-technical, relaxing trail hugs the perimeter of Leeming Reservoir with tranquil views of the water and plenty of birdlife in the surrounding foliage. It is popular amongst local dog walkers and families and is just a leisurely stroll. You don’t need to walk for miles to enjoy Haworth walks; the Leeming Reservoir walk is short and sweet.
3. Path of the Druid
Distance: 8 miles
Highlights: A trail almost lost since its creation in the 1960s
The Path of the Druid is one of the most mysterious walks in Haworth and its wider area. The trail was created by a local hiker in the 1960s as a charitable challenge walk, but since then, it began to dwindle off and became a lesser-known trail. 2023 has brought a serious revival effort, though, and you can check out the latest trail updates on the Facebook group The Druids Altar Stones and the Path of the Druid.
The route roughly runs between the Druids’ Altar at St Ives in Bingley and the Druids’ Altar at Ogden. You’ll have to contact the conservation Facebook group directly for specific route directions – but if you fancy an adventure, it is well worth the extra effort.
4. Bronte Waterfall
Distance: 5.5 miles return
Highlights: A beautiful waterfall in a scenic moorland setting
Bronte Waterfall is one of the most popular walks in Haworth. You start the hike from the centre of Haworth itself, making it one of the best out-and-back walks from Haworth. Walking along Cemetery Road, you pass through the bounds of Penistone Hill Country Park, eventually joining Enfield Side Road, which transforms into a hiking trail. This route takes just an hour to complete one way when walking from Haworth town centre. Allow three hours to hike the return trail and enjoy the waterfall.
Bronte Waterfall is small but beautiful, with a dreamy stream for paddling in hot weather. If you want to be wowed by the falls, we’d suggest visiting after heavy rain, though – the Bronte Waterfall walk is much more sedate in dry weather.
5. Lumb Hole Falls
Distance: 9-mile loop
Highlights: Dramatic waterfall with plunge pool for wild swimming.
Speaking of waterfalls with a wow factor, walking to Lumb Hole Falls is a brilliant waterfall walk near Haworth. It takes just 15 minutes to drive to Lumb Hole Falls’ parking area from the centre of Haworth or 40 minutes by the B3 Bronte Bus. The falls are massively famous for wild swimming and have a dramatic plunge pool deep enough to take a dip – often reaching 6ft in spots. The water spills over multiple rock areas at different heights. It is much more powerful than the pretty little Bronte Waterfall.
The Lumb Hole Falls walk starts just north of Hebden Bridge. The best way to reach the waterfall is on the Lumb Hole Falls Circular Trail, which takes you on a 9-mile loop of the Pennine Valley with striking moorland views. Allow around four hours for the hike, plus as long as you want at Lumb Hole Falls.
6. Ogden Water Country Park
Distance: 1 mile
Highlights: 2018 winner of Yorkshire’s Favourite Reservoir
If you want circular walks in Haworth, consider venturing to the nearby Ogden Water Country Park, which has a stunning circular reservoir walk. The trail is just over a mile long and takes under an hour to complete. It is also wheelchair and pushchair-friendly, with a well-surfaced path and fairly level gradients. Ogden Water Country Park won the 2018 title of Yorkshire’s Favourite Reservoir. It is still popular amongst locals who use it as a serene spot to unwind and admire the water.
From Haworth, it is just a 15-minute drive, and you can park at the designated car park for just £1. There are toilets onsite, and overall, Ogden Water Country Park is just a straightforward place to enjoy a stroll.
7. Holden Park
Distance: N/A
Highlights: Caves and Italianate ruins
If you fancy a more casual walk in Haworth, Holden Park is the ideal candidate. This quirky little park is best known for its labyrinth of caves and grottos – once owned by Sir Isaac Holden and later donated to Oakworth’s community by his grandson Francis Holden Illingworth. Holden Park has a network of easy-to-navigate paths that loop through the mixture of flora and crumbling Italianate architectural ruins. It is one of the most varied and exciting walks near Haworth, just minutes from the town centre by car. The walk takes around an hour to complete, but honestly, bring a picnic and take your time, and you can spend half a day at Holden Park.
Must-visits at Holden Park include the mosaic floor in one of the caves (keep your eyes sharply peeled), Italianate ruins, and a disused quarry. Oh, and it is worth dropping in that this walk is entirely free – it is one of the best Haworth walks on a budget, especially for families with young children. Little ones will also enjoy the onsite play park while adults catch their breath.
8. St Ives Estate
Distance: 1.4 – 5 miles depending on route
Highlights: Estate history and pretty scenery with water and woodland views
St Ives Estate is just a 15-minute drive from Haworth, and this 550-acre park is definitely worth the venture out of Haworth town centre. The humongous estate has a golf course, equestrian centre, and archery facilities. It is the largest park in the Bradford District, and for hikers, it holds near-endless opportunities for walks near Haworth. You can check out this guide from Bingley Walkers Are Welcome for exact route guides. But the three main walks to know about are the Altar View Walk (2.3 miles and 50 minutes), Old Reservoir Walk (1.4 miles and 30 minutes), and Water Garden Stroll (1.6 miles and 35 minutes). Of course, you can also loop them all together for an approximate 5-mile hike.
St Ives Estate has some exciting features, including a vast reservoir where you can spot wildlife and the magical Druids’ Altar. It is a super fun day out and has some of the best walks to experience when visiting Haworth. Check out the onsite café for a bite to eat after walking.
9. Haworth to Oakworth Walk
Distance: 2.5 miles
Highlights: Millstack Oakworth café, railway views, and two villages in one
If you are looking for walks from Haworth itself, the Haworth to Oakworth walk is a firm favourite. This circular route takes you on a 1.5-hour hike to the neighbouring village of Oakworth, cutting through Murgatroyd Wood one way and returning on Providence Lane. It is one of the easiest walks around Haworth regarding navigation, and it is a fun way to combine two villages in one hike. You’ll pass the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, too – a bonus for anyone who likes trainspotting or wants to see the iconic Railway Children-style steam trains passing.
You can stop at Millstack Café on Providence Lane. And in Oakworth, there is Holden Park (which got a mention earlier) and a brilliant fish and chips shop.
10. Bridestones Moor
Distance: Less than a mile
Highlights: Unique rock formations on bleak moorland
Bridestones Moor is an approximate 30-minute drive away, making it one of the furthest walks from Haworth. However, you’ll soon see why we just had to recommend it. The mixture of barren, yellow-bleached moorland and unique rock formations just up in stacks is awe-inspiring. The rock formations are so bizarrely cut that people call them natural sculptures. Walking to the formations on Bridestones Moor is like visiting a natural art gallery, and it is easily one of the most ‘wow factor’ walks from Haworth.
Bridestones Moor is easy to reach, taking less than 10 minutes to walk to the rocks if you find roadside parking along Eastwood Road. With that said, allow at least an hour so you can soak up the atmosphere and get up close to all the different formations.
11. Stoodley Pike
Distance: 6 miles
Highlights: A 121-foot dramatic monument on a 400m hill
Stoodley Pike is a dramatic-looking 121-foot monument that towers above Todmorden. The rather Gothic-like structure was built in 1856 and sits on a 400-metre hill that can be accessed by numerous hiking trails. The highlight of the hike is that you can actually go inside the monument, climbing a spiral staircase to reach a balcony with views over the valley. It is a stunning viewpoint and a fun adventure for anyone wanting a walk with some oomph. You can walk straight from the car parking areas or complete Stoodley Pike as a 6-mile circular walk from Hebden Bridge.
This is another of the furthest walks from Haworth, located around the Todmorden area like Bridestones Moor. Stoodley Pike takes just over 30 minutes to reach Haworth by car, cutting through the beautiful hippie town of Hebden Bridge (check out our Hebden Bridge walks guide here). This quick and rewarding Calderdale hike is well-combined with day trips to Hebden Bridge, Bridestones Moor, Hardcastle Crags, or Lumb Hole Falls. We’d suggest maximizing your experience and combining a few attractions to make the extra driving worthwhile.
12. Dixon Scar Wood
Distance: N/A
Highlights: Pretty woodland near the up-and-coming town of Sowerby Bridge
Dixon Scar Wood is a beautiful woodland nature reserve located in Sowerby Bridge, an up-and-coming market town situated on a canal in the Calder Valley – just 30 minutes away from Haworth by car. The woodland is popular amongst local dog walkers and cyclists and has that community appeal, untouched by regular tourism. You can enjoy walking amongst ancient trees and past old disused quarries, river views and walks through meadows. The reserve is a stunning mix of serene natural scenery.
While it is one of the furthest walks from Haworth on this guide, we just had to include it as it is such a serene area of nature and a brilliant walk to combine with a Sowerby Bridge day trip. Sowerby Bridge is a really quirky little spot, and it even boasts a museum in a classic red phone box (just Google Warley Museum). You can check out the canal locks, grab a coffee at Roast & Toast Café, or check out independent artisans shops.
13. Goit Stock Waterfall
Distance: 10.7 miles
Highlights: A beautiful waterfall
For waterfalls in Haworth, the Goit Stock Waterfall hike is one of the top walks around Haworth. This 10.7-mile hike is not for the faint-hearted, but for those happy to dedicate 5-6 hours of sweaty work to reach a beautiful waterfall, the reward is high. You start at the nearby Bingley Railway Station, hiking up to Harden Lane before continuing on to reach the private land where Goit Stock Waterfall is located. The waterfall is dramatic, with a huge plunge pool protected by a strict no-swimming policy as a conservation measure.
Hiking to Goit Stock Waterfall is a full day out, but definitely worth the effort. If you want a long-distance Haworth walk, it is an ideal candidate. You can also catch the bus easily to Bingley from Haworth, catching a 40-minute ride with a brief changeover in Keighley.
14. Chellow Heights Circular
Distance: 2.5 miles
Highlights: Beautiful reservoir scenes
Chellow Heights encompasses Chellow Dene reservoirs and Chellow Dene Woodland. This beautiful walk circles the reservoirs on mostly surfaced trails, making this ideal for families with young children. It is ideal for those wanting simple walks from Haworth, and the Chellow Heights walk only takes 1.5 hours or so, all while following a clearly marked circuit. It really couldn’t get easier when choosing Haworth walks. Plus, it is less than a 15-minute drive from Haworth town centre.
All walkers should note that Bradford Council stress the importance of care around the water’s edge and warns against swimming due to the risks of cold water.
15. Haworth to Top Withens Walk
Distance: 8 miles circular
Highlights: See the moorland that inspired Wuthering Heights
The Top Withens walk is one of – if not the – most famous walks from Haworth. You can either start the walk from Haworth or park at Penistone Hill. Top Withins, of course, is the famous moorland area that inspired Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. So, naturally, thousands of visitors and literature fans flock to complete the walk each year. It is an 8-mile circular walk from Haworth if you return via Stanbury, which we’d recommend so you can stop at the aptly named Wuthering Heights Pub. You’ll pass the beautiful Bronte Waterfall and get some aesthetic village scenes and the ‘money shot’ of the Wuthering Heights-inspiring moorland.
Get Lost has a fantastic route guide you can check out here for more detailed information.
16. Keighley Moor Reservoir
Distance: Approx. 1 mile
Highlights: Moorland Reservoir experience
Keighley Moor Reservoir is one of the best things to do in Keighley and leading walks near Haworth if you want a rugged, wind-battered moorland experience. The scenic waters are surrounded by coarse, yellow-tinged moorland grass and heathers, and you’ll have a grass track to follow around its perimeter. It is one of the bleakest yet most atmosphere circular walks near Haworth.
Because of the grass tracks, we’d suggest filing this walk for a dry day, as you’ll otherwise be battling mud and wet shoes. That said, the atmosphere amplifies on a blustery or foggy day. So if you dress accordingly, it is an all-weather hike. The reservoir is almost 20 minutes away from Haworth by car and non-accessible by public transport, so this is one for the drivers staying in Haworth.
17. Buckstone Alpacas
Distance: N/A – varies per hiking package
Highlights: Alpacas
Okay, this is definitely one of the most unique walks near Haworth. But what could make a walk more special than walking with the Buckstone Alpacas? These alpacas are located on Dick Lane – under Lund’s Tower, which we’ll cover as a standalone attraction below. The family-run business offers guests the chance to take alpacas out trekking on nearby hikes, giving you a more unusual hiking buddy. Buckstone Alpacas took a short break from operating due to welcoming a baby into the family but is now planning a reopening. You can contact them through their Facebook page or phone to enquire about booking availability.
Walking with the Buckstone Alpacas is one of the more unusual and memorable Haworth walks. Distances vary based on which hiking package you choose.
18. Lund’s Tower
Distance: Approx. 1 mile
Highlights: Beautiful views and a tower to climb
Lund’s Tower is one of the top walks near Haworth if you have a car (a 15-minute drive versus nearly 2 hours on public transport). The hike takes you up to a slightly Gothic–looking ornamental stone tower built in 1887, boasting a spiral staircase leading up to a spectacular viewing platform. Looking over the battlements, you have stunning views of the Aire Valley, and you can even see as far as Pendle Hill, where the famous Pendle witches originated. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes if you start at the car park and walk to Lund’s Tower and its neighbouring tower. The two are known as the salt and pepper pots and are surrounded by beautiful scenery.
19. Bronte Connection
Distance: 4.5 miles
Highlights: Combines 3 significant sites that inspired the Brontes’ literary works
For those who liked the sound of the Bronte Way but are really looking for single-day walks in Haworth, the Bronte Connection is the solution. This easy-to-moderate 4.5-mile hike is one of the most iconic Haworth walks. The route starts from Stanbury bus terminal and includes three major sites that inspired the literary works of the Bronte sisters. It doesn’t get much better to bring their creations to life than hiking the Bronte Connection. Top Withins Farm is your first spot – the farm said to have inspired Emily Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights. Next up is Penistone Crag, a gritstone outcrop where the Bronte children used to play and the location that inspired Cathy and Heathcliff’s meeting place. Finally, there is Ponden Hall – aka Thrushcross Grange from Wuthering Heights.
The whole route takes around 3-4 hours but is well worth the effort. As a half-day walk, it’s one of the leading Haworth walks.
20. Haworth to Hebden Bridge
Distance: 8 miles one way
Highlights: An introduction to the market town of Hebden Bridge
Everyone loves Hebden Bridge, and Haworth to Hebden Bridge is one of the great point-to-point walks from Haworth. You simply navigate to Haworth Old Road from central Haworth and follow the road until you reach Hebden Bridge. Out of all the Haworth walks, this is the most straightforward navigationally. And you can complete the hike one way in around 3-4 hours.
Once you’ve finished the one-way hike, you’ll have Hebden Bridge to enjoy. You can visit the market, Heptonstall Museum, pubs, and cafes before you catch the 30-minute bus back to Haworth.
21. The Worth Way
Distance: 11 miles
Highlights: Popular and atmospheric route through towns and villages
Undoubtedly, the Worth Way is among the top three most popular walks Haworth offers. The 11-mile circular walk takes approximately six hours to complete, taking hikers through central Keighley, Haworth, Oxenhope, and Haworth – finishing back in the town of Keighley. If you allow yourself a full day, you’ll be able to stop and enjoy things to do in Haworth and admire the Worth Valley Railway. You should also dedicate time to enjoy the things to do in Keighley. This town is typically unjustly underrated on the tourist scene.
You can easily find route guides online. The Worth Way is a leading addition to the top walks near Haworth and is ideal if you want to see some of the surrounding culture and towns.
22. Penistone Crag
Distance: 3 miles
Highlights: Worth Valley and Ilkley Moor views, plus the Penistone Crag rock formation
When it comes to circular walks in Haworth, Penistone Crag has just got to be mentioned. The route starts at Ponden Lane and loops you onto Stanbury Moor, where you earn beautiful views of the Worth Valley and even Ilkley Moor in the distance. You also get up close to Penistone Crag. This striking natural rock formation is said to have inspired Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. This is one of the most literary-important Haworth walks and one of its most visually impressive. What more could you want?
The Penistone Crag hike can be completed in 2-3 hours, and there are plenty of nearby pubs afterwards where you can grab refreshments.
23. The Sladen Valley
Distance: 4 miles
Highlights: Adventurous trails around Lower Laithe Reservoir
If you like scenic reservoir walks, the Sladen Valley is easily one of the top walks in Haworth. The 4-mile circular hike loosely hugs the perimeter of Lower Laithe Reservoir, navigating multiple stiles, farmyards, and stream crossings. You’ll need your best navigational skills for this Haworth walk; we suggest printing off-route directions online first.
Lower Laithe Reservoir is only a mile or so west of Haworth, and you can actually park in Haworth and then walk to the trailhead. It officially opened in 1925, meaning the reservoir is nearly 100 years old, and it is a beautiful bit of scenery to explore on a varied and exciting mid-length trail.
24. Hill Top Hamlets
Distance: 5.75 miles
Highlights: A quiet trail with views of the valley
If you are okay with a hill summit or two, Hill Top Hamlets is one of the best circular walks in Haworth. The route starts at Cross Roads Park and navigates through hamlets and quaint residential and farmland scenes before emerging on Harden Moor. From here, you hike multiple hills – enjoying views over the valley and even spotting the Worth Valley Railway. Hill Top Hamlets is a moderate hike, requiring good fitness and navigational skills. But if you fancy a challenge and a more in-depth immersion in the moorland around Haworth, it is an ideal Haworth hike.
You should allow half a day to complete Hill Top Hamlets, packing any refreshments and clothing changes to bring.
25. Penistone Hill Heritage Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles
Highlights: Views over Bronte Country and heritage sites
Penistone Hill Heritage Trail is a short and sweet circular walk near Haworth. The trail conditions can be challenging in wet weather – rough underfoot and exposed to the elements. However, it is well worth weathering. You’ll get a snapshot of the scenic moorland in Bronte Country, plus heritage sites like an old blacksmith shop, water pump, West End Quarry, and coal mine shaft. Keep your eye out for Forth Ponds, a beautiful collection of moorland lakes.
Allow around an hour to complete the Penistone Heritage Trail leisurely. You can park at the West End car park.
To Conclude: Best Walks in Haworth
So, which is the best walk in Haworth? Which of these Haworth walks should you definitely prioritize? The Bronte Connection is always a firm favourite, and you should also check out the Haworth to Hebden Bridge walk if you fancy a challenge. The Penistone Hill Heritage Trail is also a hit. And whichever you choose, stop at a country pub in Haworth when you finish – you’ll deserve it.