Walks you can reach from Hensall by train

Recommended: A largely step-free, fairly clear route on roads, paths and through a pair of parks, with a brief stretch of industrial ground between them. A field path leads out of Featherstone and the road into central Castleford is quite long.

Time: 2h–4h

Warnings: The path runs close beside the M62 for about ten minutes, with heavy traffic noise; you are safely behind a hedge.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Time: 5h30–11h

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Waterway: four fifths along the Aire and Calder Navigation.

Time: 2h–4h

Warnings: Whitley Bridge has only around three trains a day.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A very pleasant, easy-to-navigate walk mixing gravel paths through a nature reserve with paved roads in Castleford and Knottingley, the nature-reserve middle section being the best part. There are areas of relatively steep incline, gates, a stile and field near Knottingley; trainers suffice in dry weather and boots in winter. The village of Fairburn, about halfway, is a good pause point for refreshments.

Waterway: two thirds along the River Aire.

Time: 3h30–7h

Lunch: Fairburn, about halfway, offers a refreshment stop.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 2h30–4h30

Walk details: Slow Ways.

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.

Time: 2h30–5h

Warnings: A fifth urban. 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.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A mostly arable route along back lanes and field paths. Largely flat. Fields can get very boggy after rain and making footing difficult. Passes through Burn and Kellington.

Time: 4h–8h30

Warnings: Several road crossings are on busy main roads with no footpaths. Multiple barriers to entry. Can be very boggy and slippery underfoot after rain. Whitley Bridge has only around three trains a day. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Good view from High Eggborough. A pleasant countryside walk with a good mix of scenery, including canal-side and riverside stretches along the River Aire, quiet country lanes, tracks and footpaths and a flood-bank path. Mostly easy going with a far-reaching view from High Eggborough. Canal section is part of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation; Whitley Lock is an interesting spot.

Time: 3h30–7h

Warnings: Crossing the very busy A19 trunk road requires extreme caution. A misleading large NO ENTRY sign (with an easily missed footpath sign alongside) can confuse, and a bridge over a dyke needs attention. Whitley Bridge and Snaith each have only around three trains a day.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

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.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Time: 3h30–6h30

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

Warnings: 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.

Walk details: Slow Ways.