Exploring the attractive and historical town of Haworth can be best done through the film locations from the Railway Children film.

The town is also the 18th Century home of the Bronte Sisters, much of their inspiration coming from the local area. A family walk full of interest.

From the centre of Haworth head down the cobbled street. Opposite the Fleece pub turn left down a steep lane heading towards Haworth rail station. Cross the main road but after 200 metres turn left before reaching the station.

Turn right and then left through a gate and follow the surfaced path across Haworth Park. Turn left after a gate at the east end of the park and then right on to Mytholmes Lane. Follow the road for nearly half a mile to a garage on your right. Here go through a gate on to a footpath.

To the left there are views of Mytholmes Tunnel where the children waved red flags to stop the train and the runner Jim slipped and hurt his leg. Pass through two kissing gates before turning right on to Station Road and head steeply down hill to Oakworth Station.

(Image: Jonathan Smith)

This is the most realistic period station on the Keighley and Worth Valley railway, now run for tourists and often using steam trains, but in the past used as part of the industrial heritage of this part of the country. The line was built by the wealthy mill owners in the later 19th Century. The station has many characteristics of the early 20th Century with gas lights still operating and a lovely feel for the bygone age.

Head over the bridge and on the left is Station Cottage where Mr Perks lived. Follow the road as it bends right and then sharply left. Here follow the lane past Vale Fold Cottages which also featured in the film before a stile on the left will entice you on to some open fields near Bridgehouse Beck.

(Image: Jonathan Smith)

There are views across to Mytholmes Tunnel again. Before long cross the small river over a footbridge and join a minor road. Turn left and soon reach Haworth Station. There is a small quirky shop, best for rail enthusiasts.

Cross the rail lines at the west end of the station via the bridge and re-join the lane (Butts Lane) that now leads steeply uphill and back in to the main village of Haworth. Once back in Haworth there is a variety of excellent cafes and pubs but before settling down turn right to the top of the village and find the Bronte Parsonage Museum. This is where the famous literary sisters lived their short but inspiring lives surrounded by the wild moors and suffocating industrial smog.

(Image: Jonathan Smith)

Walk facts:

Distance: Roughly 2.5 miles.

Height to climb: 140m (460 feet).

Start: SE 031373. There is a car park at the top end of Haworth near the Bronte Museum. Walk in to the centre of the village.

Difficulty: Easy. Mainly on lanes, road sides and some paths although be aware there are some short sharp climbs.

Refreshments: A mix of cafes and pubs.

Be prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer OL21) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

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  • Jonathan Smith is the owner of Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales. He has written three books on walking in the Dales, The Yorkshire 3 Peaks, The Dales 30 mountains and Walks without Stiles. All these books (and more) are available direct from the Where2walk website. 
  • Book a navigation (map and compass skills) training day near Settle or a bespoke day for a private group. The next available course is on Saturday, August 31. Join our “Dales 30” Weekender in Sedbergh or “Three Peaks in three days” guided walks in September.
  • Where2walk.co.uk also features hundreds of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs. Visit the website for details of the walks, guiding days and navigation courses.