Bradford Pennine Gateway Trail: “I walked a newly launched 29km moorland trail - it promises to spotlight a romantic side of Bradford”

Launched on September 19, the Bradford Pennine Gateway Trail is a brand-new hiking route in Yorkshire.

Starting in Ilkley and finishing above Haworth, the 28.9km route crosses Baildon Moor, Bingley North Bog, and Harden Moor.

According to Bradford Culture Company, the route takes approximately nine hours, although it can be walked over two or three days. Connecting eight sites of a new National Nature Reserve, it combines Brontë literary heritage with mysterious landmarks like the Twelve Apostles.

I practically grew up on these moors, but I’d never heard of connecting Ilkley and Haworth on foot. Intrigued, my friend and I decided to put this route to the test.

We began at 5:45am, armed with phone torches and warm layers. The first stop was White Wells: a familiar walk, even in the pitch-black. Nobody was around, and it was strange to see such a popular attraction so quiet.

Climbing the stone staircases of the Dales Way Link, there were gorgeous views of the starry skies and twinkling lights of Ilkley below. Dawn was just breaking as we approached the Twelve Apostles. Shrouded in mist, the Bronze Age stone circle looked even more atmospheric than usual.

Instead of crossing Bingley Moor and heading towards Dick Hudsons – my stomach grumbled at the thought of a pub breakfast – we followed quiet lanes towards High Eldwick. Cutting through Sconce Scout Campsite, we took a scenic climb through the golf course and towards Baildon Trig Point.

I had been slightly concerned about walking along busy moorland roads. I find narrow roads, blind bends, and fast drivers anxiety-provoking; jumping onto verges isn’t my strong suit.

However, I was pleasantly surprised at the minimal road sections. Walking alongside Glen Road was particularly scenic: we passed coffee-clutching walkers with off-lead dogs and two riders on plodding horses.

After a few hours of walking, Bingley Five Rise Locks was a picturesque stop. We bought cappuccinos from The Five Rise Locks Cafe and had a leisurely 20-minute break on a bench outside.

There was a brief section along the canal, passing colourful graffiti near Bingley Three Rise Locks before diverting across a footbridge and towards St Ives Estate.

Looping through St Ives was a real highlight. We walked beneath shaded trees, watching riders trot past on horses and ducks zip across Coppice Pond.

It was probably good that we had this easier section, as after Harden, the terrain switched to muddy hills, and our knees ached from the inclines. The final stretch between Cross Roads and Haworth was the trickiest: a narrow path along a steep embankment. Between snapping photos of the valley below, we giggled nervously.

With about eight hours on the clock, we descended into Haworth — greeted by the iconic sound of its heritage train, puffing past with high-pitched whistles. Having both visited Penistone Hill Country Park before, we decided to finish on Haworth Main Street. Aside from Brontë heritage, the cobbled street is lined with pub grub and quirky autumnal storefronts.

Tired but elated, Haworth was an absolute antidote. Re-energised, we joined the crowds and window-shopped along the Main Street.

Given the steep ascents and descents, I’d recommend saving this walk for drier months. Within a few weeks of rain, some of the sections would be extremely slippery — I wouldn’t fancy that Cross Roads to Haworth footpath during a wet February.

That said, I’d definitely hike the Bradford Pennine Gateway Trail again. From stargazing above White Wells to sipping coffee along the Leeds Liverpool Canal, the route was a romantic snapshot of Bradford’s countryside. Perhaps I’ll retrace my steps before winter.