5 of the prettiest bluebell walks across West Yorkshire to explore in May

Daffodils and snowdrops have been creeping up all over West Yorkshire in recent months since spring arrived.

From late March through to May, bluebells are among the wild blooms beginning to pop up over many areas of woodlands and parks (and they are probably at their peak roundabout now).

They are one of the last spring flowers to arrive but fear not, you have still got time to pack a picnic, put on your best walking shoes and find your nearest outdoor area to see if you can spot any.

Here are some of the prettiest bluebell walks to enjoy in the region.

5 of the best bluebell walks in West Yorkshire

Hardcastle Crags

Location: Gibson Mill, Midgehole Road, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7AW

This wooded Pennine valley in West Yorkshire owned by the National Trust “explodes” with bluebells throughout April and May.

“Bluebells will transform the valley with an unearthly haze to create one of nature’s most stunning displays,” explains Days Out Yorkshire.

With more than 15 miles of footpaths, you’re bound to spot hundreds of bluebells in all their glory.

Middleton Woods

Location: Denton Road, Ilkley, LS29 8EW

Sam from The Reluctant Explorers commented: “Middleton Woods, is not only packed full of bluebells, but it is also packed full of stick dens, woodland paths, logs to clamber on, streams to splash in and so much more!

“You can either stick to the lower woods, or head up to the upper woods too on the other side of Curly Hill, where you’ll also find geocaches and well…. More stick dens!”

Newmillerdam Country Park

Location: Wakefield, WF2 6QH

The wooded area comes alive here in the spring months.

On Tripadvisor, a visitor left a review saying: “Beautiful woodlands carpeted with bluebells and wild flowers on my walk today the trees just getting their leaves on there are loads of different footpaths to walk plenty of wild birds I believe you can coarse fish permit required.”

Have you seen any masses of bluebells yet near you? (Image: Tripadvisor)

St Ives Estate

Location: Harden, Bingley, BD16 1AT

Also on Tripadvisor, this account wrote the following review: “Good walks in woods, around a lake. Excellent children's play area.

“Visit woods near entrance when bluebells are out. Good cafe near lake.”

Another added: “Something for everyone. Take the kids or old kids to use their imagination and tell stories sitting on the toadstools. See the fairies in the woods and find all the rest of the wooden carvings. Count the birds and squirrels in the bird hide. See the ducks on the lake and the bluebells in the woods. Need I go on.”

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Recommended reading:

• Some of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dales where your dogs are welcome too

• 5 of the best spring walks in the Yorkshire Dales – fancy some fresh air?

• Yorkshire Dales walk named among UK's best for a weekend away

Calverley Woods

Location: Calverley Woods can be reached by car following roads B6157, A65, Aa657 (or A647 from Leeds city centre)

You can head to this woodland in Pudsey to see bluebells at their finest as they take over the ground for the next few weeks.

Let us know where your favourite place is in West Yorkshire when it comes to finding the best lavender-coloured carpets in parks and woodland near you.