Here are some walks which may be a little too much for little legs, but would be suitable for older children, babies in carriers, and sometimes buggies (read the notes in each post).
Leeds walks for families
Harewood House, North of Leeds has a great circular route around the outskirts of the estate and through the Deer park and it’s just under 10k. It can get muddy in places- so your buggy needs to be pretty robust.
Eccup Reservoir is 4.5 miles to walk around, taking in the lovely countryside in North Leeds. Not a buggy walk.
The Harland Way, between Wetherby and Spofforth is 3 miles in each direction… and a great route for the little bikers out there!
Golden Acre Park in North Leeds has decent paths and lots of beauty. Try this 5.5k route that visits the adjacent Breary Marsh to see the best of it. Buggy-friendly.
St Aiden’s RSPB reserve in South East Leeds has some good paths that are suitable for buggies. If you want even more variety, this 5.5km route starting from Lemonroyd Marina takes in the canal, a Methley cafe and the best of St Aiden’s.
RSPB Fairburn Ings also has good walks with buggy friendly paths, this 6km route gives great views as well as a pretty riverside path.
Woodlesford Lock to Leeds City Centre is a 10km walk along the canal, and has some fantastic scenes. Jump on the train to return back to Woodlesford. The paths are flat and mostly surfaced (it’s a cycle path), but there is one bridge with steep steps to navigate, so don’t risk a buggy unless you’re confident you’ll be able to cross.
A circular from Oulton to the Methley Estate is 7.5km, with fields, bluebell woods and the canal. Not buggy friendly.
Calverly to Apperley Bridge Circular is 4.5 miles, walking along the canal on a buggy friendly path and back along the riverside (not suitable for buggies) in somewhat muddied conditions!
Sheffield & Barnsley walks for families
Damflask Reservoir is 3.5 miles around its perimeter, suitable for buggies. Visit the School Rooms in Low Bradfield for family friendly food and a play area for under 10s.
Langsett Reservoir is also 3 miles. It’s more challenging for young children, (and not suitable for buggies), but is absolutely worth it!
I know it’s not Yorkshire!! But it’s not far, and the 3 mile circular of Mam Tor is a great walk to start mountains on when you start from such a high car park!
Yorkshire Dales walks for families
Bolton Abbey’s Barden Bridge walk near Skipton comes in at under 8k and is a gorgeous walk! Whilst you can technically get round with a buggy, it is a challenge and an off road buggy is highly recommended.
Also from Bolton Abbey is a circular walk up to Middle Hare Head. It’s 7 miles, and combines fantastic moorland views with the best bits of the Bolton Abbey. Challenging for little ones, but absolutely worth it.
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is perhaps one of Yorkshire’s most famous walks. You might have to share the path with others, but it’s certainly worth it for those views!
Stainforth to Catrigg Force, Nr Settle is a carrier only walk, or suitable for older children. Although only 2 miles there’s some steep climbing that our 3year old wouldn’t have been able to do herself. It’s a great walk though, lots to see and a good one if you’ve started building up to challenging walks.
Wakefield walks for families
Pugney’s Country Park to Sandal Castle walk in Wakefield is 4 miles and offers great views of the surrounding area. Not buggy friendly.
Heath Common to Goosehill Circular is 4 miles, with an option to extend to 5 1/2 miles. Beautiful scenery, but not buggy friendly.
Haw Park Wood Circular is only 3 miles, but it is worth walking this route regardless of its length. Not buggy friendly.
Elsewhere
Bronte Falls Circular Walk is 8km, starting in Haworth and takes you through Penistone Country Park to the falls with views over Lower Laithe Reservoir.
Swinsty Reservoir, between Harrogate and Otley is 3 miles to walk round with a buggy with great views. The neighbouring Fewston reservoir is a little longer to walk around (4miles), and more of a ‘proper walk’. Or for a great 10km walk combine them together! Details of both here.
If you’re headed towards Fountains Abbey, you might consider this great 4 mile route of the Seven Bridges Valley and Studley Royal Deer Park.
The Grosmont to Goathland Rail Trail is 3.6 miles, follows the old tramway line, built by George Stephenson. It’s a lovely walk, with the added benefit of having an excuse to go on the train!
The Woodcock Way Trail in the beautiful Dalby Forest is 4.5 miles along forest tracks, with some pretty incredible views.