Hiking the Brontë Moors: A step by step guide to the Haworth to Top Withens (Wuthering Heights) Circular walk
- teamthomastravels
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Step into the beautifully bleak, remote setting of Wuthering Heights on this classic Haworth walk. This route offers some of the most atmospheric views in the Pennines and follows the very paths the Brontë sisters trod as they dreamt up their literary masterpieces. We walked this route in April 2026 and it's a lovely half day filler, leaving plenty of time to explore the rest of Haworth's highlights, including the Brontë Parsonage Museum, St Michael & All Angels Church and the delightful steeply sloping Main Street, full of independent shops and cafes.
Distance: Approximately 6.5 miles (Circular)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 – 4.5 hours depending on stops for picnic and photos!
Watch the Walk: If you want to see the trail in action (and spot that lone sycamore tree!), check out our step by step Top Withens Hiking Reel on Instagram.
Starting Point
Park at the layby on West Lane, just at the edge of Haworth. It's free and places you right at the start of the route to the moors. It's also only a short walk from the Brontë Parsonage Museum and Haworth’s iconic cobbled High Street.
The Route:
1. The Descent to Stanbury
Leave Haworth on West Lane, following a slight fork left to Penistone Hill Country Park, then take the bridleway downhill to Lower Laithe Reservoir. Cross the reservoir causeway (be mindful of cars!) and head left into the village of Stanbury.
2. Through the village
Walk all the way through Stanbury, passing the aptly named Wuthering Heights pub.
If you visit in spring (April/May), the surrounding fields will be filled with new lambs!
3. The climb up to the moors
At the end of the village, follow the small white sign on your left: "Footpath to Brontë Waterfall and Top Withins" (You'll notice even the signs can't agree on the spelling, switching between 'Withens' and 'Withins' as you climb!) and take the farm track uphill past more sheep fields. Don't be deterred, the big green "Private Road" sign halfway up only applies to vehicles. Pause halfway up to catch your breath and look back to see the reservoir tucked into the valley like a mirror.
4. Onto the Pennine Way
At the top of the track, keep right toward Top Withens, ignoring the Bronte Waterfall path heading off to the left, following the trail past another farm and across the moorland. You are now on the famous Pennine Way, Britain’s first National Trail (opened in 1965)! It all starts looking much more dramatic and you can really imagine the Brontës walking here through the heather. By now you'll be able to see the little square ruins and lone tree of Top Withens up on hillside just to the left. When the path transitions into double semi-paved rows , you’re almost there.
N.B. There are lots of ground nesting birds around here so be sure to stick to the paths to protect their eggs and the delicate peat bog.
5. The Ruin of Top Withens
As you arrive at the summit, you’ll find a sycamore tree and a square stone ruined farmhouse. This is the legendary Top Withens, a working farm until the late 1800s and said to be Emily Brontë's inspiration for her epic novel.
While this ruin bears no architectural resemblance to the grand house described in Wuthering Heights, its "the sweeping views and bleak, remote setting are definitely of Cathy and Heathcliff's universe and you can see why Emily would choose to set her story up here.
Look for the plaque on the wall, placed by the Brontë Society in 1964 to clarify that while the house is different, the setting is undoubtedly the one Emily had in mind. If the weather is good, there are several benches around where you can eat your picnic with an amazing view.
6. The way down to the Brontë Bridge and Brontë Waterfall
Retrace your steps a short distance, but follow the wooden fingerpost downhill to the right (named Enfield side road on google maps) towards the Brontë Waterfall. This half of the walk is more rugged and can be wet (it's also a much steeper route up to Top Withens, so we'd suggest doing the circuit in the direction we describe for an easier ascent), but it's a beautiful section cutting down through the moors, following a stream and crossing stepping stones.
Keep an eye on the wooden fingerposts as you navigate the moor, like the one pictured above. You’ll notice the name "Arashi Ga Oka" alongside the English directions for Top Withens. This is the Japanese title for Wuthering Heights (literally translating to "Stormy Hill"). It was added to help the thousands of Japanese literary fans who make the pilgrimage to Haworth every year!
7. The Bridge and Waterfall
Pass through a wooden kissing gate on your right and head steeply downhill to reach Brontë Bridge and the Brontë Waterfall, so beloved by the three sisters, who would frequently walk the 2.5 miles cross the moors to escape the confined, often somber atmosphere of the Parsonage in Haworth and to brainstorm their stories. It's worth noting that if you're visiting in summer or after dry spells, it may be a trickle, but it remains a very picturesque spot. If you're visiting in winter, you'll see the falls as Charlotte described them: "A perfect torrent racing over the rocks, white and beautiful!"
N.B. The stone bridge you see today is a replacement; the original was swept away by a flash flood in 1989.
8. The home stretch to Haworth
Follow the path along the side of the sheltered, wooded valley, past yet more sheep fields and back toward Penistone Hill Country Park, which you continue through to arrive back in Haworth. For a more direct finish, you can about a mile walk along Cemetery Road back to West Lane where you parked, but be aware that this road has no pavement, so stay alert and step onto the grass verge if you see cars approaching.
Essential Packing List
Sturdy boots
Depending on the weather, the trail can be rugged, wet and often boggy. Good grip is essential for the stepping stones!
Layers
The moors are incredibly exposed. The wind here bites even in summer, and the weather can change in minutes.
Sun protection
There is zero shade on the moors - You will catch the sun quickly in the summer months so bring a hat and suncream.
Water and food
There are no facilities once you leave Stanbury. Pack a picnic lunch to eat at the ruins and take all your rubbish back with you.
Related content: Love Yorkshire? We have plenty more guides to "God’s Own County," including our favorite spots in Leeds, Whitby, Bradford, Halifax and the hidden gems of the coast. Explore our full Yorkshire travel collection here.
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