Walking at Hardcastle Crags

Two walkers in shaded woodland — Walking through the peaceful woodlands at Hardcastle Crags.

With over 15 miles of footpaths to explore, this wooden valley is a walker’s paradise. Grab your walking boots and discover tumbling streams, deep ravines and ragged rocks on a walk around Hardcastle Crags.

Walking at Hardcastle Crags

The valley is criss-crossed with over 15 miles of footpaths, just waiting to be discovered.

Choose one of our popular way marked trails and head out for an adventure in the woods. Take a look at the routes below or take a photo of the map in the welcome hut on your visit, to use as you head out on a walk through the Yorkshire countryside.

Enjoy the views across the wooded valley

Railway Trail at Hardcastle Crags

It's hard to imagine that this peaceful valley once had a railway built to transport workers from their temporary homes at 'Dawson City' up to the reservoirs at Gorple, Widdop and Walshaw Dean.

A family walk through woodland past a waterfall — Explore miles of woodland paths criss-crossed by streams and waterfalls

Mill Walk at Hardcastle Crags

The Mill walk takes you along the enchanting banks of Hebden Water. Perfect for families to explore, take in the riverside wildlife and enjoy splashing in the water.

A roe deer in the woodland at Hardcastle Crags — Roe deer are regular visitors to the woodland

Wood Folk Walk

Follow the way-markers on this circular walk through the woods and find out more about the wonderful trees at Hardcastle Crags. Download the walk below.

PDF Download (PDF / 1.8MB) download

A tree lined incline with a metal sign of poetry in the foreground.

One Thus Gone

Take a mindful and contemplative journey on this woodland trail and discover a series of short poems written specifically for Hardcastle Crags.

Walking at Hardcastle Crags