The best walks and hikes around Wakefield
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7,887
hikers
519
hikes
Hikes around Wakefield explore the West Yorkshire countryside, situated on the River Calder to the east of the Pennines. The area's landscape is characterized by a network of country parks, nature reserves, reservoirs, and woodlands. Many routes combine natural features with historical sites, including the grounds of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Best hiking trails around Wakefield
- The most popular hiking route is A loop of Newmiller Dam, a 1.9 mile (3.0 km) trail that takes around 45 minutes to…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
4.7
(27)
486
hikers
3.00km
00:46
10m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
8
hikers
5.02km
01:20
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(34)
254
hikers
9.43km
02:29
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
294
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(20)
231
hikers
6.92km
01:49
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(12)
224
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
130
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(16)
80
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
136
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(14)
83
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Wakefield
Tips from the Community
Cafe and free public toilets here, but a charge for car-parking.
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This is a lovely place to take a walk and look at the wildlife. The walk is accessible around the dam. However the trails above it are great for the more adventuress. The Dam Inn has some very nice staff and the food is very nice too
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More Information
Exploring a ‘Merrie’ yet bloody city
In the Middle Ages, Wakefield became a market town and was renowned for its sporting events, such as the archery competitions that took place on the Calder’s meadows. This status earned Wakefield the moniker of ‘Merrie City’.
However, a major battle took place near the now ruined Sandal Castle during the War of the Roses. On 30th December 1460, the Battle of Wakefield saw Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and over 2,000 Yorkists killed at the hands of the Lancastrians, who suffered comparatively minor losses. It is thought that these events are the origin of the famous nursery rhyme, the Grand Old Duke of York. The castle saw yet more bloodshed during a 1642 siege in the Civil War.
Sandal Castle’s ruins still stand on a hill above Pugneys Country Park, a 250-acre (101 ha) greenspace centred around two beautiful lakes, one of which is a nature reserve. The park is within easy reach of the city and combines gorgeous wildlife, woodland trails and sloping fields. There are few finer walks in Wakefield than a hike up to the castle, which reveals spellbinding views across the lower Calder Valley and to the city’s prominent 247-foot (75 m) cathedral spire, the tallest in Yorkshire.
Wakefield’s many greenspaces
Many of the best hiking routes around Wakefield are found along its vibrant watercourses at places like the Southern Washlands Nature Corridor or Alverthorpe Meadows and Wrenthorpe Park. The cityowes much of its prosperity to the River Calder and its canals, rising to prominence during the Industrial Revolution thanks to the textile, corn and coal trade. Many of its former collieries are now nature parks and reserves, such as Walton Colliery Nature Park, a perfect place to seek out wildlife encounters.
The Wakefield Way and the regions’ vibrant parks
Some of the finest hikes around Wakefield can be found at Anglers Country Park. Once the site of one of the deepest coal mines in England, the area has seen a transformation into an expansive wildlife haven. As well as the reservoir at the park’s heart, there’s gorgeous forest paths at Haw Park Wood, the Barnsley Canal and yet more lakeside trails to explore.
Anglers is also the designated start and end point for the Wakefield Way, a 70-mile (113 km) loop of the Wakefield Metropolitan District that visits many of the region’s commons, woodlands and country parks, including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. This open-air gallery showcases fascinating pieces by British and international artists. It sprawls across 500 acres (202 ha) of the 18th-century Bretton Hall’s glorious parkland and lakes, combining cultural and natural splendour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many dog-friendly walking trails in Wakefield?
Yes, many of the country parks in the Wakefield area are great for walking with dogs. For example, Rabbit Ings Country Park is a popular spot with plenty of open space. Walton Country Park also offers numerous trails, but be aware that some paths are shared with horses. Always check local signage for specific on-leash and off-leash rules.
What are some good family-friendly walks around Wakefield?
For a family outing, Anglers Country Park is an excellent choice. It features a well-maintained two-mile loop around the lake, a café, and toilets. Another great option is the walk around the lake at Bretton Country Park, which is part of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and offers a mix of nature and art to keep everyone engaged.
Can I find easy, flat walks in the Wakefield area?
Absolutely. The region is known for its accessible country park trails. A great example is the Hiking loop from Sandal, which explores the area around Pugneys Country Park on relatively level ground. Many of the reservoir and lakeside paths offer gentle strolls without significant inclines.
Are there any challenging hikes for more experienced walkers?
While much of the area features gentle terrain, you can find more demanding hikes. For a longer and more varied day out, consider the Lady Eglinton’s Well – Stone Bridge Over The Cut loop from Yorkshire Sculpture Park. This moderate route covers nearly 6 miles (9.5 km) with more elevation changes than the shorter park loops.
How many hiking trails are available around Wakefield?
There is a wide variety of options, with over 480 hiking routes to explore in and around Wakefield. These range from short, easy loops within country parks to longer, more challenging treks through the West Yorkshire countryside.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Wakefield?
The hiking routes around Wakefield are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths through the area's numerous country parks and the beautiful scenery around the lakes and reservoirs.
Are there circular walking routes available?
Yes, circular walks are very common in the Wakefield area, making logistics simple. Many popular trails are loops, such as the Cold Hiendley Reservoir – Cold Hiendley Reservoir loop from Notton, which takes you on a tour around two connected reservoirs. Most country park trails are designed as loops.
Where can I find hikes with good scenic views?
For expansive views, head to Rabbit Ings Country Park. Its position on a former spoil heap provides far-reaching vistas across the surrounding landscape. For a different kind of scenery, the Woodland Stream – Newmillerdam Lake loop from Chevet combines beautiful woodland paths with lovely views across the water.
What is the Wakefield Way?
The Wakefield Way is a long-distance footpath that encircles the entire Wakefield district. It's a 70-mile (112 km) route that can be broken down into smaller sections, taking you through a diverse range of landscapes including parks, woodlands, and former railway lines like the Chevet Branch Line.
Are there any good walks that start from a country park with a café?
Yes, Pugneys Country Park is a great starting point. It has a café and other facilities, making it easy to grab a coffee before or after your walk. From there, you can enjoy a pleasant loop around the main lake. Anglers Country Park also has a café and is the trailhead for several popular walks.
Can I combine a hike with a visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park?
Definitely. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park contains numerous paths and trails that wind through its grounds. You can explore a variety of outdoor art installations while enjoying a walk, such as on the Haw Park Wood – Anglers Country Park Lake loop from Walton, which passes near the park's boundaries.
What kind of difficulty levels can I expect on the trails?
The trails around Wakefield cater to all levels. About half of the routes are rated as easy, perfect for casual strolls and families. The other half are rated moderate, offering longer distances or some gentle hills. There are also a small number of difficult trails for those seeking a greater challenge.
Most popular routes around Wakefield
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