Kirklees Way is an invigorating circular trail that encompasses the entire Metropolitan district of Kirklees in West Yorkshire, with the vibrant town of Huddersfield at its heart.

You'll venture upon a diverse range of landscapes including picturesque moorlands, idyllic farmlands and enchanting woodlands. The route takes you on a journey through the Upper Colne, Spen, and Holme Valleys, encountering numerous reservoirs along the way, including the renowned Scammonden Reservoir, which is a real highlight of the route.

Along the way, you’ll visit a number of Kirklees’ smaller industrial towns and villages, such as Marsden and Bradley, which help tell the story of its transformation from a rural landscape to a thriving hub of industrial activity. During the 19th century, Kirklees played a pivotal role in the global textile trade. This can still be witnessed through remnants of old mills and warehouses dotted around the landscape.

The tour begins from the pleasant village of Scholes. This is a good place to start as it’s well-connected and allows for a nice downhill introduction to your journey. To reach Scholes from Bradford you can catch the 256 bus, and from Leeds the 255.

As you venture southward from Scholes, you'll meander through picturesque farmland, passing by the locales of Hartshead, Bradley and Ainley Top, discovering a number of woodlands along the way. Transitioning into moorland terrain, the route dips down and climbs back out of Scammonden Reservoir, before venturing toward the historic village of Marsden.

In Marsden, I’d highly recommend a visit to the Riverhead Brewery Tap. This restaurant and microbrewery serves an unusual and exciting blend of exotic Asian flavours and traditional British classics. Marsden hosts a treasure trove of sights to discover, including Standedge Tunnel, the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel in Britain.

Continuing your journey beyond Marsden, you'll reach the northeastern corner of the Peak District National Park, where you’ll cross the vast, untamed moorland of the Colne and Holme Valleys. A countless stream of reservoirs will then guide you to Shepley, where the terrain becomes farm fields and tracks.

As you approach the final two stages of your journey, the path transitions into a more urban landscape, guiding you through a handful of charming towns and picturesque villages. In between these communities, you'll have the opportunity to explore country parks, ancient ruins and historic churches.

The official trail is 75 miles (121 km) long. In this Collection, I’ve designed a slightly longer variant of 82 miles (131 km) that allows for detours to overnight stays or convenient transport connections.

The route encompasses a number of ascents throughout that’ll challenge you, particularly during stage 3, but rest assured that there are no daunting inclines to conquer. This trail is designed to be achievable and enjoyable for hikers of all levels.

I’d recommend wearing hiking shoes and bringing some essentials, such as a waterproof (as this is the north of England after all!) and some sunscreen for the summer months.