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The White Rose County
LATEST FROM THE WHITE SHIRE
Read our latest Yorkshire guides, first-hand visits and local stories, covering walks, events, accommodation, places to visit and independent businesses.
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The Historical Aire and Calder: A Journey Through Time
The rivers Aire and Calder have long shaped the landscape and culture of Yorkshire. Their waters have witnessed centuries of change, from early settlements to industrial growth. Walking along these rivers offers a unique chance to connect with the past while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. In this post, I will share insights into the historical significance of these waterways and suggest ways to explore them today. The Historical Aire and Calder: A Journey Through

Michael Palmer
Dec 9, 20254 min read


Understanding the Historical Role of Aire and Calder
Yorkshire is a region rich in history and natural beauty. Among its many treasures, the rivers Aire and Calder have played a significant role in shaping the landscape and communities around them. These waterways have been central to trade, industry, and transport for centuries. Today, they offer a unique glimpse into Yorkshire’s past and present, inviting us to explore their historical landmarks and appreciate their ongoing importance. Historical Landmarks in Yorkshire: A Jou

Michael Palmer
Dec 4, 20254 min read


Cawood Circular Walk
Looking for an easy circular walk near Selby? This 5.75-mile Cawood Circular Walk explores the historic village of Cawood and the surrounding North Yorkshire countryside, combining riverside scenery, field paths and one of the most historically interesting villages in the Selby area.

Michael Palmer
Oct 19, 202510 min read


Barnburgh Circular Walk
Discover Barnburgh in South Yorkshire with this 4.3-mile circular walk through countryside, woodland and quiet lanes. Explore the village's fascinating history, visit the remarkable St Peter's Church, discover the legend of the Cat and Man and uncover the agricultural and industrial heritage that has shaped this corner of South Yorkshire.

Michael Palmer
Nov 21, 20245 min read


Bolton Abbey to The Strid Circular Walk.
Looking for an easy Yorkshire Dales walk combining riverside scenery, ancient woodland and one of Yorkshire's most famous historic sites? Our 4.54-mile Bolton Abbey to The Strid Circular Walk gives us all of that within a manageable route.
Lyn and I personally walked, photographed and GPS recorded this route for The White Shire.

Michael Palmer
Jul 8, 20237 min read


Conisbrough to Sprotbrough Circular Walk
The Conisbrough to Sprotbrough Circular Walk is a 6.93-mile moderate route through the South Yorkshire countryside. Discover woodland, the River Don, Sprotbrough and Conisbrough Viaduct while exploring a landscape shaped by centuries of industry, railways and local history. The woodland sections can be tricky in places, so good footwear and care underfoot are recommended.

Michael Palmer
May 30, 20237 min read


Sheffield River and Canal circular walk
The Sheffield River and Canal Circular Walk is an easy 5.94-mile route through South Yorkshire, following the River Don and Sheffield & Tinsley Canal. Discover Sheffield's industrial heritage, historic waterways, bridges, locks and riverside scenery while enjoying a peaceful walk through a very different side of the city.

Michael Palmer
May 28, 20236 min read


Conisbrough circular walk
The Conisbrough Circular Walk is a 6.15-mile moderate route through the countryside and woodland around this historic South Yorkshire town. Discover Conisbrough Castle, the River Don, peaceful woodland and the industrial heritage that has shaped the Don Valley, with some uneven and muddy sections making good walking footwear advisable.

Michael Palmer
May 21, 20237 min read


Mickletown Loop Walk
Looking for a short and easy countryside walk between Leeds and Castleford? Our 3.24-mile Mickletown Loop Walk explores the countryside around Mickletown and Methley in West Yorkshire.
Lyn and I personally walked, photographed and GPS recorded this route for The White Shire.
We rate it as an easy walk.
At only 3.24 miles, this is one of our shorter Yorkshire routes and is ideal when you fancy getting outside for a walk without committing to five or six miles.

Michael Palmer
Feb 3, 20237 min read


Castleford Aire & Calder Circular Walk
Looking for an easy circular walk around Castleford? Our 5.07-mile Castleford Aire & Calder Circular Walk follows the waterways that have shaped this part of West Yorkshire for almost 2,000 years.
Lyn and I personally walked, photographed and GPS recorded this route for The White Shire.
We'd rate this as an easy walk.

Michael Palmer
Feb 3, 20238 min read


Kirkham Priory loop walk.
Our Kirkham Priory Loop Walk combines peaceful North Yorkshire countryside, the River Derwent and the atmospheric ruins of a medieval priory with a history stretching back around 900 years.
Lyn and I personally walked, photographed and GPS recorded this route for The White Shire.

Michael Palmer
Feb 3, 20237 min read


Cliffe circiluar walk.
Our 4.11-mile Cliffe Circular Walk is an easy countryside route through the flatter landscape east of Selby.
Lyn and I personally walked, photographed and GPS recorded this route for The White Shire.
We rate the walk as easy.

Michael Palmer
Sep 10, 20227 min read


Sandal Castle & River Calder Loop Walk
Looking for an easy walk in Wakefield combining riverside paths, open views and one of the city’s most important historic landmarks? Our 4.22-mile Sandal Castle and River Calder Loop Walk gives us all three.
Lyn and I personally walked, photographed and GPS recorded this route for The White Shire.
We rate it as an easy walk.

Michael Palmer
Sep 10, 20228 min read


Brockadale Loop Walk.
Looking for an easy countryside walk near Pontefract with woodland, wildflowers, riverside scenery and plenty of wildlife? Our 4.14-mile Brockadale Loop Walk explores one of the most interesting nature reserves in West Yorkshire.
Lyn and I personally walked, photographed and GPS recorded this route for The White Shire.
We rate our walk as easy.

Michael Palmer
Aug 3, 20228 min read


Allerton Bywater, Duck Island
Allerton Bywater – From Colliery Village to Green Community Early Origins & Name Allerton Bywater is a semi-rural village in the south-east of the City of Leeds metropolitan borough, West Yorkshire.The name “Allerton” comes from Old English alra tūn meaning “farmstead of the alder trees”, while “Bywater” refers to its historic situation by the River Aire (“Allerton next to water” first appeared in records in 1258). Coal Mining Heritage Coal mining was central to Allerton Byw

Michael Palmer
Jun 13, 20221 min read


Hebble & Calder Loop walk.
Hebble & Calder Loop walk The Hebble and Calder are two rivers that flow through the county of West Yorkshire in England. The Calder is the larger of the two rivers and has played an important role in the region's history. The river was navigable in the 18th and 19th centuries, and played a key role in the transportation of goods such as coal, wool, and textiles. Several industrial towns and cities, including Halifax, Wakefield, and Dewsbury, developed along the banks of the

Michael Palmer
Jun 3, 20221 min read
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