Walks you can reach from Bradford Interchange by train

Sowerby Bridge Station to Halifax Station (Yorkshire)

15m direct from Bradford Interchange.

lovely views; quite glorious on a sunny summer afternoon. An alternative Sowerby Bridge to Halifax route on roads, pavements, grass and cobbles, with some steps and a short section of narrow earth footpath. It crosses Crow Wood park and takes a tree-lined route via Savile Park, avoiding the steep climb up Washer Lane; steep in places and especially at the Sowerby Bridge end. Passes the Wainhouse Tower folly, Savile Park common and the restored Piece Hall. Recommended in the Halifax to Sowerby Bridge direction, as the reverse has considerably more climb.

Tough: steep ascents. 5km.

The descent into Sowerby Bridge is steep and along a busy road; the route is steep and slightly rough underfoot in places. Cross the railway via the station subway at Sowerby Bridge.

Lunch: Plentiful refreshments along the main road into Sowerby Bridge.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Halifax Station to Brighouse Station (Yorkshire)

15m direct from Bradford Interchange.

some cracking views from the tops. A walk with some pleasant sections (Cromwell Wood and the canalside Calder Valley Greenway) but many awkward parts: several staircases, overgrown and dingy sections, very narrow squeezes and stretches across fields where the path is hard to determine.

Tough: steep ascents. 7km.

Several main roads must be crossed without crossings, including Church Street/South Parade in Halifax. A bridge from Lilly Lane leads to a long uneven staircase into a narrow tunnel with broken glass that felt unsafe; an overgrown, dingy path along Hebble Brook is a graffiti hotspot and can be impassable after rain.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Hebden Bridge Station to Halifax Station (Yorkshire)

15m direct from Bradford Interchange.

fine hilltop views surprisingly close to Halifax. An interesting, varied walk of contrasts: tranquil canalside towpath, fine hilltop views surprisingly close to Halifax and a two-mile straight stretch of road through suburbs. A couple of points need care to stay on route. Passes the former Duke of Wellington's barracks and ends near a full-size replica of the Halifax Gibbet.

Tough: steep ascents. 11km.

At bridge No.7 over the Rochdale Canal a large metal gate is chained up and not easy to climb, with no footpath signs; a small detour may be needed to walk round Shepherd House. The tricky housing-estate section and the chained bridge can both be avoided by staying on the canal a further 0.5km to Luddendenfoot.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Hebden Bridge Station to Sowerby Bridge Station (Yorkshire)

15m direct from Bradford Interchange.

This is a gorgeous experience. A largely flat, easy-to-follow route predominantly along an off-road shared-use cycle path (national cycle route 66), with sections of canal towpath and woodland alongside the railway and quiet roads. Mostly step-free with only slight inclines; one short stretch on narrower busy-road pavements in Mytholmroyd. Some bridleway diversions are overgrown. Follows national cycle route 66 along the Rochdale Canal.

Easy: 9km, moderate ascents.

A short section of narrow pavement on a busier road in Mytholmroyd. A couple of tricksy points joining the canal and railside paths.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Morley Station to Leeds Station (Yorkshire)

15m direct from Bradford Interchange.

Great view of Leeds from the top of the rise. A mix of rural and urban with great views towards Leeds: downhill through Morley, residential streets, the last few fields before the city, then past White Rose, along a busy ring road, up to Beeston and a high ridge with a steep grassy drop to a footbridge over the M621, through Holbeck, a final canal- and riverside approach with steps up to the station. Plenty of steps and some uneven and steep footpaths.

Easy: 9km, moderate ascents.

Steps and some uneven, steep footpaths; a steep grassy bank drops to the M621 footbridge. A busy ring road to walk along by White Rose.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Leeds Station to Garforth Station (Yorkshire)

15m direct from Bradford Interchange.

A largely level route out of the city, starting along the River Aire and city-centre bridges, following National Cycle Route 66 through industrial estates, then skirting Temple Newsam park (the loveliest part, light woodland and grass), with a super-muddy section along Beech Walk and meandering paths through Millennium Wood before the village of Garforth. Mostly wide and weatherproof paths with two stiles; some hills; concrete-heavy around the Thorpe Park shopping centre. Generally follows National Cycle Route 66 with handy signposts; mostly off-road (80-90%). Crosses the A1(M) by footbridge; the Springs / Thorpe Park retail park has places to eat and drink mid-route.

12km. Moderate ascents.

A super-muddy section along Beech Walk near North Plantation; two stiles; a diversion is needed just before Thorpe Park (easy reroute via a short stretch of bridleway); the section south of Halton Moor needs care.

Lunch: Places to eat and drink at the Thorpe Park / Springs retail park mid-route.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Horsforth Station to Leeds Station (Yorkshire)

15m direct from Bradford Interchange.

A route of three sections: quiet wooded pathways criss-crossing the railway, a tedious middle section of road walking beside a busy road, then a delightful ending through Burley Park and along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath with the River Aire alongside and leading right to the station. Ends along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath with the River Aire running parallel. Greener than many people expect for an urban route.

Easy: 9km, moderate ascents.

Some wooded sections would not feel appealing or safe walking alone at night, particularly for solo women; one long stretch beside the busy Queenswood Drive.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Todmorden Station to Hebden Bridge Station (Lancashire)

30m direct from Bradford Interchange.

A very enjoyable, direct and straightforward canal walk, almost entirely along the Rochdale Canal towpath following national cycle route 66. The terrain is nearly all level with a mostly gravel surface, though bridges and slopes past locks have cobbles and canal overflows run over cobbles across the towpath in several places. Tree cover gives a green-tunnel feel. Follows national cycle route 66 along the Rochdale Canal. Canalside interest: locks, houseboats, mileposts and stone bridges.

Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.

Canal overflows run over cobbles across the towpath in several places, with a raised plank alongside to keep feet dry.

Lunch: Refreshment opportunities along the canalside towards Hebden Bridge.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Huddersfield Station to Brighouse Station (Yorkshire)

30m direct from Bradford Interchange.

An undulating walk with a fair amount of climbing and descending over fields, woodland and housing-estate pavements, with a long, relentless downhill into Rastrick. Includes a few steps, one stile and rough ground and tree roots; some paths through Upper Fell Greave are hard to follow. Ends along the Aire and Calder Navigation. There are benches at the square by the Brighouse bus station meeting point.

Tough: steep ascents. 8km.

Several roads to cross, including a dual carriageway (Fixby Road, which has central refuges). A path on the right of way line up the hill is barely evident and must be improvised.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Brighouse Station to Mirfield Station (Yorkshire)

30m direct from Bradford Interchange.

Easy: 8km, moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Todmorden Station to Littleborough Station (Lancashire)

30m direct from Bradford Interchange.

The scenery was very pretty. Almost entirely along the Rochdale Canal towpath, crossing the Pennine summit, on pretty Millstone Grit bridges and lock walls. The towpath has puddles and a few cobbled, cambered or planked sections, plus a wooded and muddy final stretch to Todmorden station. Follows the Rochdale Canal (including its summit) and is part of the National Cycle Network. Waterfalls tumble down the hills either side of the canal; an air vent for the railway Summit Tunnel can be spotted.

Easy: 9km, moderate ascents.

One tricky stretch of towpath under the A58 Halifax Road and up the side of Durn Lock is cambered, sloping and cobbled. The wooded final section to Todmorden station can be muddy with planks across it.

Lunch stop: the Summit Inn.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Mirfield Station to Dewsbury Station (Yorkshire)

30m direct from Bradford Interchange.

An easy, mostly level route along the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal and the River Calder and with riverside views and wildlife. Not suitable for those with mobility issues.

Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.

Near Dewsbury, where the canal forks from the river, the riverside path is marked 'No Admittance' and barriered, though an opening has been cut.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route