I seem to have had a lot of luck with the weather lately. One week last month, knowing I had a walk planned for the weekend, I found myself religiously checking the weather for the upcoming date. True to British form, the forecast became more and more bleak. Waking up that Sunday morning, I was fully prepared for the worst. But, miracles apparently do happen as I opened my eyes to glorious sunshine pouring in through the curtains.
The walk I’d had planned was in Bingley, through the St. Ives estate and up to Druid’s Altar. It was lovely to see Bingley in the springtime as my previous experience was on a much soggier autumn day. The woods were blooming with bluebells and the sun was filtering in through the trees; it truly was one of those days where you feel like you’re in the most beautiful place in the world.
One of the best things about this route is the variety of views and environments you meander through. It’s a relatively easy-going walk around St. Ives, but there are a couple of steeper inclines and the terrain can get very muddy if it’s rainy. The walk is easily reached from Bingley train station (which is only about a fifteen minute journey from Leeds!) by heading through the lovely Myrtle Park across the market square and brings you in a loop right back to the station a couple of hours later.
Did you know that Bingley has ‘Walkers Are Welcome’ status? Find out more here and here.
Lunch followed at the Brown Cow – which I’ve raved about before here. This time I opted for a mushroom burger and spiced fruit crumble. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, as always.
Do you have any favorite walking spots where you live?
