Walks and cycle routes

All four routes are waymarked with a curlew symbol. Download a map before you go, as there's no phone signal on parts of the moor.

Weather on the tops can change quickly. Take a waterproof and something warm, even in summer.

Routes

Town and river loop: 3 miles, easy

Starts at Market Square. A flat walk along the river to Knowmoor Park and back past the War Memorial. Step-free, and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes.

Highfold Mill trail: 5 miles, moderate

Starts at Highfold Country Park car park. Through the woods to Highfold Mill, then back along the old mill race. Some steps and a steep climb out of the valley. Allow 2 hours 30 minutes.

Brackenmoor Common: 2 miles, easy

Starts at Brackenmoor Common car park on Moor Road. Boardwalks and firm paths past 2 bird hides. Step-free. Allow 1 hour.

Knowmoor Rigg: 11 miles, hard

Starts at Knowmoor station. Up onto the open moor, along the ridge to Brackenmoor and back by the old railway. Rough ground and no shelter. Allow 5 to 6 hours, and check the forecast before you set off.

Cycling

The old railway between Knowmoor and Brackenmoor is a traffic-free path for walkers and cyclists, 6 miles each way and mostly flat.

You can hire bikes and e-bikes at Knowmoor station, from £15 for half a day.

Dogs

Keep dogs on a lead on the moor from March to July, when ground-nesting birds are breeding, and near sheep all year.

Bins for dog waste are at every car park.

Spotted a broken stile, a fallen tree or a blocked path? Report a problem with a path.