The countryside around Huddersfield provides plenty of venues for walkers and dog owners. Our guide to five of the most spectacular walks in the region takes in woodland and moorland, waterways and parks – all suitable for those with canine companions – and we’ll have another five for you next week.

It would appear that we are a county of dog lovers. According to figures from the Pet Food Manufacturing Association, Yorkshire and Humberside has more dog owning households than the national average. Nearly 30% of homes in the region have at least one dog, compared to 24% nationally.

And statistics gathered by a pet insurance company show that at least 80% of owners make sure their dog has a walk every day. So if you’re one of those who gives their dog a chance to roam the great outdoors or you’ve just acquired a dog, then check out our list of fabulous countryside walks.

Most are longer walks, perhaps best suited to a day out. But, if you’re looking for something shorter, Kirklees’ parks are dog-friendly and the area has many small areas of walkable woodland (visit woodlandtrust.org.uk for details). There’s also the landmark Castle Hill in Almondbury, a centre for Nordic walkers.

Scammonden Reservoir, off the A 640 to the west of Huddersfield

Scammonden Reservoir
Scammonden Reservoir

This beauty spot, with woodlands, rough pasture and a reservoir, offers a 4.1 mile circular walk that is challenging in places. Park at the Scammonden Water and Wood Edge car park and be sure to wear stout shoes or walking boots. There are fantastic views down the valley, some steep gradients and unsurfaced paths that might be muddy. For details of all walks on Yorkshire Water land visit www.yorkshirewater.com/walks

Honley Woods, Honley Village

Honley Woods, Honley
Honley Woods, Honley

The 2 1/4 mile circular walk around the woods takes in woodland, meadows and a pond. Honley Woods is one of West Yorkshire’s largest remaining ancient semi-natural woodland areas and covers 150 acres. The woods have the remains of many old features such as the quarries, coal pits and boundaries, shown on the first Ordnance Survey maps of 150 years ago. Underneath the brambles and bracken there are archaeological features which the map surveyors failed to recognise – earthwork boundaries, small cairns, defensive earthworks and probable burial sites dating from the Bronze and Iron Ages. There is no dedicated car park and the points of access are from Wood Bottom Road, the end of Hassocks Lane and Knowle Lane. Download a map from www.kirklees.gov.uk/leisure

Blackmoorfoot Reservoir, between Meltham and Slaithwaite

Blackmoorfoot Reservoir

Parking for this scenic reservoir, which has a flat and easy circular walk of 1.3miles, is on Reservoir Road. This walk offers spectacular views on a sunny day and is suitable for families with young children and can be accessed by wheelchairs and pushchairs. Janet Jackson, secretary of Huddersfield and District Canine Association, names this as one of her favourite walks but warns that dogs should be kept on a lead. “Because of the recent spate of poisonings in the Huddersfield area we’re advising owners to be on their guard and not allow any free walking,” she explained.

Norland Moor, near Sowerby Bridge

Norland Moor
Norland Moor

Norland Moor, now owned by Calderdale Council, is a designated Local Nature Reserve. It covers 250 acres and is mainly covered in heather and bracken. The Moor rises high above the Calder Valley, offering spectacular views. There is a free car park just outside Norland Village – off Shaw Lane opposite the Ryburn Golf Course. Walkers should beware of the steep, rocky outcrop to the north of the moor. There is, however, plenty of easy walking around the top. Expect to meet a lot of dog walkers.

Hardcastle Crags, near Hebden Bridge

Gibson Mill at Hardcastle Crags

There are miles of woodland paths, old packhorse trails and streams at this National Trust beauty spot, which has a visitor centre and cafe at its heart. There is a charge for parking but entry to the woodland is free. Proper walking equipment is advisable but not all pathways are steep and difficult. It’s possible to stroll along the valley bottom and this site is extremely popular with dog owners.