The best walks and hikes around Harewood

Yes, many trails in the Harewood area are suitable for walking with dogs, but they should generally be kept on a lead. This is especially important in areas with livestock, such as the fields where you might see Highland cattle, and within the Harewood Estate to protect the deer park and other wildlife. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

Definitely. The area offers several easier walks perfect for a family outing. There are 6 easy-rated hikes in the region, often featuring gentle paths through woodlands and parklands. The grounds of the Harewood Estate itself are a great place to start, with well-maintained paths and attractions like the Adventure Playscape.

Harewood is located in West Yorkshire, just north of Leeds. If you're driving, there are several parking options, including pay-and-display car parks at Harewood House for visitors to the estate. For some public footpaths outside the main estate, you may find lay-by or village parking. The area is also accessible via bus services from Leeds and Harrogate, which stop in Harewood village, providing a good starting point for several walks.

Yes, circular walks are very common around Harewood, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. Many routes are designed as loops, taking you through the varied landscapes of the estate, along the River Wharfe, and through the surrounding countryside. A great example of a longer circular route is the View Across Eccup Reservoir – View of Harewood House loop from Harewood, which offers expansive views.

Some paths, particularly those through woodlands and across open fields, can become muddy, especially after rainfall. The main paths within the Harewood House grounds are generally well-maintained, but trails along the River Wharfe or on public footpaths can be more natural and prone to mud. It's always a good idea to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.

The Harewood area is rich in wildlife. The estate is famous for the successful reintroduction of Red Kites, so you are very likely to see them soaring overhead. The parkland is also home to Red and Fallow deer. Along the River Wharfe and in the woodlands, you can spot a wide variety of birds and other creatures.

Yes, Harewood is on the route of two significant long-distance trails. Both the 62-mile Leeds Country Way and the White Rose Way pass through the Harewood Estate, offering opportunities for more extensive hikes or for walking a scenic section of a larger trail.

The trails around Harewood are mostly rated as easy to moderate. You'll find a mix of well-surfaced paths in the formal gardens, woodland tracks, and grassy footpaths across rolling hills. There are no officially rated difficult hikes, making the area accessible to most walkers. The moderate routes often involve some gentle climbs that reward you with lovely views.

Yes, after exploring the trails, you can visit the Harewood Arms in Harewood village for refreshments. For those visiting the main attraction, Harewood House Trust has its own cafes. These are popular spots for walkers to relax and refuel after a day in the Yorkshire countryside.

Many trails incorporate the River Wharfe, which forms the northern boundary of the Harewood Estate. You can find several riverside paths that follow its banks, offering scenic views of the water and the classic Wharfedale landscape. Some routes climb away from the river into the hills, providing wider vistas of the valley.

There are over 20 designated hiking routes to explore around Harewood on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls to more challenging moderate hikes, with 16 moderate and 6 easy options available, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.