4.14mi Brockadale Loop Walk

4.14mi Brockadale Loop Walk

Our 4.14-mile Brockadale Loop Walk explores the River Went valley near Pontefract, with woodland, limestone slopes, grassland and riverside paths. The original Komoot recording is linked in the mileage-first title, with the interactive map immediately below it.

Walk at a Glance

Distance: 4.14 miles. Grade: Easy in our original account, though reserve paths can be steep. Route: Circular. Location: Brockadale Nature Reserve, West Yorkshire. Terrain: Natural woodland, meadow and riverside paths, some narrow or uneven. Start and finish: See the original Komoot map.

The Walk

Brockadale is a lovely contrast to the surrounding farmland. The River Went has cut a valley through the limestone, leaving wooded slopes and open meadows. Our recorded circuit takes in that mixture of scenery rather than simply following a level path around a country park.

Paths through the reserve can be quite different underfoot. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust describes steep and narrow natural trails, steps, bridges and kissing gates. Its network includes several choices of path, so the original Komoot line is important for keeping to the route we walked.

The photographs from our visit are retained below. They show the character of this part of the Went valley better than a lengthy general description.

Wildflowers and Wildlife

Brockadale is an important nature reserve for limestone grassland and ancient woodland. The Trust records orchids, bluebells and clustered bellflowers, along with a range of butterflies including marbled white and dark green fritillary. What is in flower depends on the season.

Parking and Access

The reserve is free and open at all times. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust lists a small car park on Leys Lane, WF8 3LJ, with a 2.1-metre height barrier. Grazing animals may be present. Dogs must be kept on leads within the reserve, and visitors are asked to stay on paths.

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

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  Brockadale loop walk

Explore More

We recorded another, separate circuit in the Went valley. Our 4.13mi Brockadale & Little Smeaton Circular Walk has a different original Komoot track, so the two routes shouldn't be mistaken for the same walk.

Browse West Yorkshire Walks or all our Yorkshire Walks. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's Brockadale page gives current site information.

Recorded and photographed by Michael and Lyn for The White Shire.