Classic moors walk

Since its 1980s by-pass, Kildwick has escaped the bustle of the Aire Valley, and its church, pub and bridge combine to create a delightful picture.

This is a classic local walk, currently at its finest with the heather in bloom.

Start from the corner by pub and church. There is parking nearby, and it’s served by Keighley-Skipton buses.

Take the road up the side of the church, going right past the old schoolhouse. The beautiful old St Andrew’s Church features an imposing great tower and a lovely low-slung roof, while inside is the resplendent Sir Robert de Styveton monument of 1307.

Cross the arched Parson’s Bridge over the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and a snicket rises to emerge onto a road. With the magnificent 17th century Kildwick Hall just along to the right, your route goes briefly left, soon taking a path on the right that rises onto the edge of Farnhill Moor.

A choice of paths climb to the farm at Crag Top, and through a gate to its left the main body of the moor is underfoot. Immediately forking at a seat, take the left one rising away, gently up through bracken and increasing heather and gritstone slabs to reveal the Jubilee Tower as you approach it. Locally known as Farnhill Pinnacle, this 12ft monument supports a stone-carved cross bearing the initials VR, as well as a rose, shamrock and thistle. Erected in 1887 to commemorate Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, words carved on adjacent stones explain further royal celebrations.

A welcome bench helps you enjoy the outstanding Aire Valley vista. From the pinnacle, go to the path crossroads a few yards east and continue inland, directly away to a large cairn that soon appears. Here, turn sharp left on a clear little path that runs north, passing a stone shelter to reach the wall ahead, curving left to a seat there.

Over the wall, a big pile of stones in the heather is an ancient burial mound. Turning left, a thinner but good path runs with the wall all the way down to the road.

Go right for a few minutes to Hamblethorpe Farm, where Bradley appears directly below. Remain on the lane to descend steeply into the village.

Keeping left after the Slaters Arms, a short-cut through sports fields leads to the canal. Cross the road bridge and turn left along the towpath to return to Kildwick. Features en route include the Polish wartime air-crash memorial at Hamblethorpe bridge, followed by verdant Farnhill Woods with its springtime bluebells.

Farnhill’s canalside buildings are on parade before the canal crosses the village street on an aqueduct to return to Parson’s Bridge. l This walk, and many more, feature in Short Scenic Walks – Haworth & Bronte Country by Paul Hannon, which is available from hillsidepublications.co.uk