The best walks and hikes around Sutton

Yes, the area offers many gentle walks suitable for families. A great option is the Canal Path loop from Glusburn and Cross Hills. It's a relatively flat, 10.5 km route along the canal towpath, making it an easy outing for all ages.

The trails around Sutton feature a mix of landscapes. You'll find gentle, flat paths along the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, as well as more challenging ascents into the hills, like the climb up to Earl's Crag. Many routes take you through classic Yorkshire countryside with fields and dry stone walls.

Dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths around Sutton. However, many trails pass through farmland with livestock. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead and under control, especially near sheep and cattle.

Yes, many of the popular hikes are circular, or 'loop', trails. This allows you to start and finish in the same place without retracing your steps, which is convenient for parking. Routes like the Dry Stone Wall Path loop from Sutton-in-Craven are designed this way.

For expansive views, the hike to Earl's Crag is a top choice. The Wainman's Pinnacle – Lund's Tower on Earl's Crag loop from Glusburn and Cross Hills takes you up to the ridge where you can see for miles across Airedale and the surrounding countryside.

For many trails, on-street parking is available in the villages of Sutton-in-Craven or nearby Glusburn and Cross Hills. Please park considerately, respecting local residents. Some routes may start near designated lay-bys or small car parks, but these can fill up quickly on weekends.

The difficulty varies. There are over 200 easy routes, which are mostly flat walks along the river or canal. There are also over 200 moderate routes that involve hills and some steeper sections, like the climbs to Earl's Crag. There are fewer than 30 difficult, expert-level hikes in the immediate area.

Yes, the villages of Sutton-in-Craven and Cross Hills are served by local bus routes connecting them to larger towns like Keighley and Skipton, which have train stations. From the bus stops in the villages, you can walk to the start of many of the main trails.

The hiking routes in this area are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the mix of scenery, from peaceful riverside paths to the rewarding views from the crags, and the well-maintained condition of the trails.

For the flat river and canal paths, comfortable walking shoes are usually sufficient. For routes that climb into the hills, such as those going up Earl's Crag, sturdy hiking boots with good grip are recommended. The paths can be uneven, rocky, and muddy, especially after rain.

Absolutely. The River Aire loop from Glusburn and Cross Hills is a popular 10 km moderate walk that follows the river through the valley, offering a pleasant and relatively flat experience.