Running England - Yorkshire • Bradley on the Run

Following an absolutely splendid trip to London (read all about Running England – London), we ventured into the countryside of West Yorkshire!

Yorkshire – Day One

A dear friend of ours lives in Mirfield, West Yorkshire – so we spent the next few days visiting with Anna. We arrived at Mirfield Station early in the afternoon and, afternoon a spot of tea, headed out for some local sightseeing at Oakwell Hall (c. 1583) – and got our first taste of the English countryside.

Yorkshire – Day Two

With guidance from Anna, my first run took me along the Calder Valley Greenway, a very peaceful run that included the Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal. There were cows. It was perfection.

We spent the rest of the day sightseeing further afield around Leeds, at Harewood House and Kirkstall Abbey (ruin dating from c. 1152).

Yorkshire – Day Three

My friend’s stepmum, Ann, graciously acted as a running guide for me the next morning. As a local, she took me on a very scenic tour of the area, that also included some fascinating commentary and historical notes. It wove through the lanes and bridleways of Lower Hopton, and the streets of Mirfield. We conquered a few hills together, and had an absolutely delightful time!

A bit more sightseeing at Black Dick’s Tower (no joke!) in the afternoon. That evening, we visited the Rams Head Inn – a 450-year-old pub that is perched in an isolated spot on the Pennine Mountain range. It was a stormy night, too, so just right for a cozy beer with friends.

Yorkshire – Last Day

We bid a tearfully fond farewell to our friends, and made a stopover in York. We spent the day touring around the town with yet another friend we hadn’t seen in many years. It’s such a scenic place, and I wish we could have stayed on longer!