Looking for the best walking trails along our Grand Central route now that the days are longer and brighter? Whether you’re getting ready to hike, cycle, trail run, or explore other outdoor pursuits, we have a spring walk option you are guaranteed to love.Get away from the hustle and bustle and walk along tree-lined paths with the whole family by your side (not forgetting your furry friends).

 

A quick round-up of the best spring walks in the UK
 

• The Secret Waterfall & Priestley Green Circular, Halifax
• Nostell Priory Parkland, Wakefield
• Nostell Priory Parkland, Wakefield
• Castor & Water Newton Circular, Peterborough
• Hampstead Heath Circular Walk, London
• South Hylton River Walk, Sunderland
• York City Walls Circular, York
• Judy Woods Circular, Bradford

Halifax Spring Walk At The Secret Waterfall & Priestley Green Circular 
 

This 5.1-km circular walk near Halifax is beginner-friendly and takes an average of 1 hour 29 minutes to complete.

Due to its gorgeous landscapes, this route is a popular spot for hiking, running, and walking, especially from January through September. Dogs are also welcome on this route, but they must be on a lead for specific sections due to the presence of sheep, cattle, and horses.

Some noteworthy highlights of this farmland trail include Stone Chair, Norwood Green, Priestley Green, and Coley, which have a detour to the secret waterfall.

You can bring your furry friend on a Grand Central Train. For more information, read our train travel guide with your pet.
 

Wakefield Spring Walk: Nostell Priory Parkland
 

Head out on a 4.3-km circular spring walk full of culture in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. It is perfect for beginners and takes just 1 hour and  8 minutes to complete. Little paws can also walk here if they are on a lead.  

This trail is open all year round, covered in blooms in Spring and a blanket of frost in winter.

Nostell Priory is set within a 121-hectare parkland managed by the National Trust. The prominent landmark is a Georgian House that bursts with culture. It sits atop the site of a medieval monastery and houses an extensive collection of Thomas Chippendale’s furniture.

Below is parkland dotted with wildflower meadows, woodlands, menagerie gardens, and luscious lakes, accessible via many paths.

The Parkland Walk follows purple waymarkers past the Georgian house. You can meander through the Lower Lake and proceed to be restored by Obelisk Lodge.

Get started on this walk by packing your walking shoes and booking a Grand Central train to Wakefield Kirkgate, and discover what’s on in Wakefield for further inspiration for your trip.

Doncaster Spring Walk: River Don & Sprotbrough Falls
 

Explore a 5.5-km spring trail near Doncaster, South Yorkshire. For those a bit more advanced, this is a moderately challenging route that takes an average of 1 hour 49 minutes to complete. It is well known to those interested in birding, fishing and hiking. It is also dog-friendly, with sections where your dog needs to be on a lead.

Sprotbrough Falls, one of Doncaster’s most iconic landmarks, is located on the River Don.

Starting just off Nursery Lane, this spring trail follows a towpath along the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation before leading onto a riverside path along the River Don. Eventually, you will reach the Conisbrough Viaduct before returning the same way.

If you wish to continue past this, you could visit Cusworth Motte Castle, a reminder of British history.

Another breathtaking landmark along the way is Don Gorge, full of stunning limestone landscapes, locks, weirs, and wooded pathways. Here, you can see a plethora of natural beauty.

Walking boots are recommended, as some sections can get muddy.

Explore other activities to enjoy in and around Doncaster during your visit. 
 

Peterborough Spring Walk: Castor & Water Newton Circular
 

Discover this 5.1-km circular spring trail near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Another easy walk to add to the list, taking an average of 1 hour and 6 minutes to complete. Dogs are welcome but may occasionally need to be put on the lead.

Along the way, you will find those interested in birding, hiking and mountain biking. The trail is open year-round, and it is especially excellent in spring, with its many shades of green in the majestic woodlands and open fields.

It is particularly recommended for those who love photography.

As mentioned, mountain biking is highly popular here; if you want to challenge yourself, discover how to plan a cycling break by train and hop on a Grand Central train to Peterborough.

London Spring Walk: Hampstead Heath Circular Walk
 

7.2 km and located near Islington, London, this circular spring trail is considered a moderately challenging route for those who like to push themselves; it takes an average of 1 hour and 59 minutes to complete. Dogs can also roam to their hearts' desire on this walk.

It is a popular area for birding, running, and walking year-round. The main highlight of this walk is the variety of sights, including ancient woodlands, spectacular city views, open spaces, swimming ponds, gardens, and a pergola.

Another focal point is Parliament Hill, which is popular for kite flying and offers excellent views of the London skyline.

Find some other beautiful places in London to relax by reading our helpful blog, and plan your next trip to London.
 

Sunderland Spring Walk: South Hylton River Walk
 

Experience this 8.2-km out-and-back trail near Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. It takes 2 hours and 3 minutes and is classed as moderately challenging.

If you’re a big fan of water sports, this walk could be perfect for you, as paddle sports occur here. Dogs on leads are welcome.

On this peaceful riverside spring walk, you can spot wildlife among the trees and on the riverbank. If you prefer, you can also make it into a circular route by crossing the bridge and following paths and roads on the northern side of the river.

Be mindful; this walk can become muddy even in spring/summer.

Discover our days out by rail in Sunderland today and get planning your next spring walk. 
 

York Spring Walk: York City Walls Circular
 

Try this 4.8-km circular trail near York, North Yorkshire. It is ideal for the whole family and takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete.

Open year-round, this walk is great for both running and walking, particularly in the sunnier months, for locals and visitors to York alike.

It is a great spring walk, offering picturesque views and many historic stops and sights. Highlights include St Leonard’s Hospital, the Yorkshire Museum, and views of the River Ouse from Skeldergate Bridge.

The York City Walls, built in the 13th century on top of pre-existing earth banks, are England's most complete city walls that remain today. Therefore, please be wary of uneven footing.

To help you make the most of your time on the York City Walls, here is our sightseeing from York City Walls article.
 

Bradford Spring Walk: Judy Woods Circular 
 

This 5.5km circular trail in Bradford is perfect for a spring nature walk. Judy Woods is best known for colourful spring bluebells and pretty woodland trails, perfect for lovers of both nature and walking.

The most popular circular routes are around 5.5km and take roughly 1.5-2 hours to complete. Routes tend to both start and end on Station Road, Wyke, and feature woodland paths and quaint streams.

The woods were named after Judy North, who lived nearby in the 1850s and 60s. Her family had managed the site since the 19th century, and come the 1920’s, the woods were opened to the public.

Hop on a train to Bradford Interchange and explore all this historical woodland trail has to offer! If you want to make a day or even a weekend of it, explore all the things to do in and around Bradford.
 

Longer, sunnier days call for a spring walk 

By exploring these different spring walk routes, you can make the most of the longer days and sunnier weather.

Get there on a Grand Central train and buy your tickets today!