PEOPLE have rediscovered their love of walking during lockdown as it is one of the only times we can legally leave the house.
According to the government guidelines, we can leave the house once a day for exercise- this can take place alone, with your household or with your support bubble.
While you can still visit scenic places on your doorstep, it’s important that you stay within your local area and don’t travel to other cities and towns in order to visit them.
If you want to get a quick walk in but don’t want to stray too far from home, we have found some of the best walking routes in the area- how many will you be trying out?
Judy Woods, Wyke
(Photo: Geograph/ Jonathon Tattersall)
A spokesperson for the Rambler’s Bradford Group said Judy Woods is home to some of their favourite walking routes.
They said: “There are loads of walking routes in the woods and the colours on the trees are just beautiful.
“It’s also serene and tranquil.”
One route can be found on the Bradford.Gov website and it can be completed in around an hour.
The trail is a circular route that starts at Park Bottom.
It takes you past Royds Hall Farm and Gannerthorpe wood.
As well as walking, Judy Woods is also popular among bikers who want to test their speed and biking skills.
Harold Park, Low Moor
(Phot: Geograph/ Stephen Craven)
This one mile loop trail that is great to visit with the kids.
The area is partially paved making it ideal for wheelchair users and those hoping to avoid getting stuck in the mud on wetter days.
It’s also the only park in the district with its own dam where it is possible to fish.
The park also has a sensory garden, filled with colourful flowers and natural features.
Goitstock Woods & Harden Beck, Wilsden
This walking route begins at Harden Beck Bridge, opposite to the Malt Shovel Public House.
The walk itself is relatively level and you will navigate mainly through woodland- but the paths can get a bit boggy in wet weather.
As such, it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with a pushchair.
On the footpaths, you can expect a rocky climb and the bridleway paths can get narrow at times.
You will encounter some significant landmarks on your journey, including Goitstock Mill and Ivy House Farm.
You can find the full walking route on the bradford.gov.uk website.
Saltaire Tow Path
If you want to embark on a slightly more challenging route without compromising any of the scenic views, then this could be the walking route for you.
The 2.5 mile circular route starts at the canal towpath at the bottom of Victoria Road.
If you print off the Bradford document and guide before setting off, then you might also learn about the history of the area on the way.
For instance, did you know that the Mill Dam was built in 1911 and that the kissing gate encountered towards the end of the walk was constructed in the 1800s.
Lister Park
(Photo: Geograph/Betty Longbottom)
This particular trail is less than a mile long- but you can extend your walk by taking one of the many interwoven paths in the park.
There are many unique statues to admire in the park, the newest of which is of Peter Pan; spotting the variety of statues in the park could be a great game for the kids to try out on their walk.
The circular route is highly regarded by local walkers.
One woman said: “I walk here often.
“It’s a really easy walk with wide paths, a nice lake, fountains and botanical gardens.”
Where is your favourite walking route in Bradford? Let us know in the comments.
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