Wuthering Heights walk

Follow the footsteps of the Bronte Sisters on the classic Wuthering Heights walk. The walk visits the Bronte Bridge, Bronte Seat, Bronte Waterfall before heading up to Top Withins (the alleged inspiration behind Wuthering Heights) and a return via the reservoir at Stanbury.

The Walk

It was a bleak day of driving rain when I worked in the heart of West Yorkshire with a view over the moors My boss at the time (clearly bored with what I was saying) was staring out the window over the bleak moorland and just shook his head muttering ‘Not hard to see where the Bronte’s drew their inspiration’. He was right, there is nothing as bleak and forbidding as a West Yorkshire Moor in the rain and the wind. However it is also inspirational and invigorating to walk in.

Since then I have walked the moors near Haworth many, many times. In fact it is one of my most popular guided walks. I have walked it in all seasons, in all weather and with a variety of people. It is always enjoyment. There is also much to see including the picnic spot the Brontes often walked to and Top Withens which many have inspired Emily to write Wuthering Heights. However it is the moorland which will live long in the memory. Whether warm and welcoming, reflecting the beautiful heather collours of high summer or bleak and forbidding.

However starting at the Parsonage Museum (the home of the Brontes) offers a real incite in to the family. Following the research it is really a case of just stepping out in to the Moors. From here start to imagine how the sisters gained inspiration from such a fabulous landscape.

Recommend

Apart from literary interest the walk passes through the village of Stanbury with good views over Stanbury Reservoir. It is an interesting village and a strong reminder of the area’s industrial heritage.

Navigation Tips for Wuthering Heights walk

From Top Withins to Stanbury the route is along a section of the Pennine Way. Routes on long distance national trails are the best signposted/waymarked in the country. Off these trails signposting is more variable.