Christmas Walks and Winter Wanders

Hello everyone,

Well we’ve nearly made it to Christmas after a very strange year so now, hopefully, we can all relax, spend time with family or friends (following all of the guidance still of course) and maybe eat a bit too much and let loose. However, just so we don’t feel guilty about our overindulgence, I’ve put a couple of lovely walks together that we can go on over the Christmas period. A couple in Wakefield and Barnsley and they’re all fairly easy to find.

 

1. The Coxley Wood, New Hall Wood, and Middlestown Circular walk is a relatively easy one (just over 3 and a half miles) that should get you ready for your dinner (or perhaps go after and work off the Christmas pud. Coxley Wood, New Hall Wood, and Middlestown Circular – West Yorkshire, England | AllTrails
2. The Newmillerdam Circular is always a favourite because it’s relatively easy and is by water, and it’s always nice to walk by water. Just short of 2 miles, great for old and young alike, plus there’s a cafe and a pub near it. Result. Newmillerdam Circular Walk – West Yorkshire, England | AllTrails
3. Bushcliffe Woods is another nice, fairly easy walk (2.5 miles) that takes in water, woods and is suitable for all ages. Bushcliff Woods: Newmillerdam and Wakefield – West Yorkshire, England | AllTrails
4. The Grange Moor Circular. The next one is a bit more taxing but if you like a little more of a challenge (about 4.5 miles) then get going!!! There’s a few pubs and interesting old churches if that’s your thing. It’s a wonderful walk. Grange Moor, Briestfield, Whitley Lower Circular – West Yorkshire, England | AllTrails
5. The Birdwell to Wentworth Castle Circular is an enormous 6.5 miles (we’re ‘ard in Barnsley) but it’s easy going and it’s by water (bonus) and there’s a lovely castle too. Birdwell to Wentworth Castle Circular – South Yorkshire, England | AllTrails
6. The Penistone Line walk has beautiful scenery, wonderful flowers and and is fairly steady (about 4.5 miles) for anyone who likes a (little) challenge on a Christmas morning. Penistone Line: Silkstone Waggonway and Woodlands – South Yorkshire, England | AllTrails

 

The Wakefield – Casual Ramblers website is a really good source of walks all over the place and it’s free, which is always a bonus. The website is run by people who love a good ol’ ramble, and they seem like a good group of chaps and chapesses. You can register, which is good if you like posting pictures or messages about walks you may have done, and for an easy walk-finder, it’s worth giving it a whirl.

Also, try AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails, it’s free but you have to register, although registration only took me 30 seconds (and I’m a bit of a thickie when it comes to the internet so it must’ve been easy). The information about the walks is really informative so give it a try. You can pay money and upgrade to ‘Pro’ but, you know, like, what’s the point?

*And don’t forget, if you’re going for a walk during the winter, stay safe and always take some warm clothing, wear walking boots if possible, take a bottle of water and a torch. Even during the day it can get really dark if you’re in the woods so a little torch always comes in handy.

So get out and get walking, have fun and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Leo. X