Are you looking for a great walking route in West Yorkshire? Look no further than the 8-mile circular walk from Haworth to Top Withens.
This stunning and historic route takes you through beautiful landscapes, past a waterfall and alongside an ancient manor house – all while offering breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside.
If you have ever wondered how to walk from Haworth to Top Withens, this guide is for you!
Join us on this journey as we explore one of the most popular walks in West Yorkshire!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more here.
About Haworth and Top Withens
Before we delve into the Top Withens circular walk instructions, here’s a quick introduction to Haworth and Top Withens.
This guide includes everything you need to know before you go and why you should visit!
Where is Haworth?
Haworth, located in the city of Bradford District in West Yorkshire, is an idyllic village that has been captivating visitors for centuries.
Haworth is a 30-minute drive from Bradford. It takes approximately 50 minutes to drive from Leeds or 90 minutes from York or Sheffield.
The drive from Hull is around 1 hour 50 minutes or 1 hour 20 from Manchester.
It is about 3.5 hours by train or a 4-hour drive from London, and about a 4.5-hour journey from Edinburgh by car or rail.
From its picturesque, cobbled streets to its sweeping countryside views, Haworth offers something special to everyone who visits.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a more challenging hike through the rolling hills of West Yorkshire, Haworth is the perfect place to start your adventure!
What is Top Withens?
Top Withens is a ruined manor house located four miles from Haworth.
It has been an iconic part of the local landscape for centuries and its history dates back to the 16th century.
The ruins are thought to have inspired Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Lending even more mystique and intrigue to this already fascinating building. This literary connection brings visitors to the site from around the world!
The sisters frequented the farmhouse on their walks through the moors. As a result, Top Withens provided the inspiration for the Earnshaw family home in Emily Brontë’s classic novel.
Although the farmhouse itself doesn’t look like the house she described in the book, the location description is uncanny.
The rural setting among the rugged moors atop a hill is remarkably close to the description of the location Emily chose for Wuthering Heights.
Whether you’re looking for literary landmarks, beautiful vistas or historic sites, Top Withens will not disappoint!
With its spectacular setting on top of a hill overlooking Brontë Country, it offers something special that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
How far is Top Withens from Haworth?
Top Withens is approximately four miles from Haworth. Due to the rural location, you cannot access Top Withens by car.
However, you can enjoy a scenic moorland walk from Haworth. This will take you around 90 to 120 minutes to arrive at Top Withens.
Allow around four hours for the full circular walk at a steady pace.
History of Top Withens
The history of Top Withens farm dates from at least the late 16th century.
In 1591 William Bentley, a local farmer, divided his Withens estate between his three sons. This resulted in the creation of three individual farms at Lower, Middle, and Top Withens.
The problem with divided inheritance is that it means each generation is left less and less land for farming.
Moorland farming families lived on an income primarily from dairy produce and sheep farming. It is believed that the Bently family also subsidised their income by weaving.
The three Withens farms were occupied until around 1890. In 1903-4 the Keighley Corporation bought the farms that were now in ruins.
Lower and Middle Withens were demolished in 1930, and Top Withens was boarded up to prevent vandalism.
Who lived at Top Withens?
During the Brontë’s lifetime, Top Withens was inhabited by Jonas Sunderland and his wife Ann Crabtree. And then their son, Jonas, and wife Mary Feather lived there from 1833.
Top Withens last inhabitant was Ernest Roddy in 1926. The building then fell into disrepair.
Remedial work was carried out in the 1970s before significant work took place in the 1990s to save this literary gem from being lost to the moors forever.
What does wuthering mean?
When you visit Top Withens, you can see for yourself just how inspiring this rural landscape is.
And if there is any doubt that the area around Top Withens fuelled Emily’s inspiration for Wuthering Heights, there is a great clue in the name.
“Wuthering” is a Northern English word, meaning wild, exposed, and storm-blown. And Top Withens is exactly that!
Circular Top Withens walking route from Haworth
So how do you walk from Haworth to Top Withens?
If you want to admire the rugged moodland and this inspiring literary landmark for yourself, here are the instructions for the Top Withens circular walking route.
How to get to Top Withens from Haworth
This circular route to Top Withens from Haworth is a reasonably challenging one.
The trail is approximately eight miles long or almost 13km. The paths are clear and easy to follow with no stiles, but does include stepping stones over the beck and a few steep uphill sections.
The reward is well worth the effort though.
You will be able to enjoy the sweeping views of the moors as well as the Brontë Waterfall and Top Withens itself.
Depending on your pace and how long you want to spend admiring the falls and Top Withens, you will need 3-4 hours for the whole walk.
How to get to Brontë Waterfall from Haworth
Start your journey at the Brontë Parsonage Museum shop (Church Street, BD22 8DR).
The first stretch of the trail will take you from Haworth to the Brontë Waterfall.
With the Parsonage Museum shop on your left, walk straight ahead to follow the field path.
When you emerge on the road, head left. After 70 metres, take the fork on the left which is signposted to Penistone Hill.
Continue to follow the road until you must cross a further road at a T-junction.
As you cross the road you will find a track opposite, which is signposted to Brontë Waterfall. From here, the path is clear, and you simply follow it to the waterfall.
Just before you reach the stone bridge over the beck, look to your left and you will find the Brontë Seat, which is a large rock that resembles an armchair.
How far is Brontë Waterfall from Haworth?
Brontë Waterfall is just over two miles from Haworth.
This first section of the walk is gentle, following paved field paths and roads before a slight decent over a rockier terrain to the beck.
At a gentle pace it will take you approximately 45-60 minutes to walk from Haworth to Brontë Waterfall.
How to get to Top Withens from Brontë Waterfall
Once you have soaked up the sights at the waterfall, your journey continues uphill.
Cross the bridge to the opposite side of the stream from which you arrived.
Follow the path steeply uphill to a kissing gate. Keep to the left, following the route that is signposted ‘Top Withens’ to a further kissing gate.
From this point, simply follow the path straight to Top Withens.
The route will take you through the rugged moorland and if you’re visiting on a day with few tourists, you will be amazed by how silent the landscape is.
As you follow the path, ignore a fork to your left, sticking to the main trail.
The route will eventually drop down to the beck where you will find stepping stones across the water.
After a short uphill climb, turn left when you reach the signpost to visit Top Withens.
How far is Top Withens from Brontë Waterfall?
Top Withens is just over a mile from Brontë Waterfall. This section of the circular route will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.
The trail between Brontë Waterfall and Top Withens is the most challenging section of the walk.
The paths are still clear and easy to follow, but almost the whole route is uphill and is steep in areas.
You will also need to cross the beck via stepping stones. These are broad and stable but do get slippery.
How to get to Stanbury from Top Withens
After exploring Top Withens, your journey will take you back toward Haworth via the village of Stanbury.
To get there, retrace your steps to the signpost, but rather than taking the path to your right by which you arrived, continue on the route straight ahead of you.
Follow this paved path signposted to Stanbury and Haworth downhill as it becomes a broad track through the moorland.
After about a mile you will reach Upper Heights Farm. At the fork, bear left with the Pennine Way.
The route will take you past another farm, then shortly after, the Pennine Way will continue to the left. Instead of following it, stay on the track straight ahead to Stanbury and Haworth.
Continue to follow the track all the way to a lane at the edge of the village to arrive in Stanbury.
How far is Stanbury from Top Withens?
Stanbury is two miles north east of Top Withens.
This section of the walk is gentle and predominantly downhill so you will be able to reach the village in approximately 30-40 minutes.
Top Withens Circular Walk: How to get to Haworth
As you arrive in Stanbury via the track, bear right along the road through the village.
Take the first road on the right which is signed to Oxenhope. This road will take you across the dam of the picturesque Lower Laithe Reservoir.
As soon as you have crossed the reservoir, turn left into a service road and follow the right-hand fork uphill. This will take you back to the road you walked down on your outward journey.
Simply retrace your steps back down the road to a gap stile on the right and across the field to return to the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
How far is Haworth from Stanbury?
Haworth is a gentle two-mile walk from Stanbury.
The route follows roads and footpaths before returning to Haworth via the field path where you started the walk.
The final leg of your journey will take approximately 45 minutes.
Things to do in Haworth
While you are visiting Top Withens, make sure you allow time to explore the village of Haworth.
You can grab some treats from the local bakery to fuel your hike or follow in Emily’s footsteps once again for a gentle stroll through the pretty streets.
For a full list of things to do in Haworth, check out my Haworth guide here.
Where to stay in Haworth
If you want to make the most of your time in the area, why not stay and enjoy a relaxing weekend or short getaway?
If you want to explore more of the local area on your visit, you can’t go wrong by staying in the charming village of Haworth.
Enjoy a weekend getaway in a cost, traditional pub such as The Fleece Inn or The Old White Lion. Or treat yourself to a romantic cottage escape at Blackberry Cottage, located right on Main Street!
Alternatively, you can visit Haworth on a guided day tour from Windermere, Liverpool, York, Manchester, or Chester.
Get your Brontë essentials for your trip
Why not set the mood for your visit to Haworth?
Grab your copy of Wuthering Heights to read Emily’s description of the moors first hand.
Or learn more about the history of this Yorkshire village that helped to shape literary history.
If you want to learn more about the lives of the Brontë sisters, check out the film To Walk Invisible, which was filmed on location in Haworth and the surrounding moors.
Or the 2022 movie Emily, which examines Emily’s life through a modern lens. It is a fascinating insight into this phenomenal writer who defied expectations.
Plus, if you are visiting Haworth as a family, this book is a great introduction to the Brontë sisters for kids.
Things to do near Haworth
While you’re in the area, why not check out some of these incredible local sights near Haworth?
Saltaire
The village of Saltaire is just eight miles from Haworth. It is one of only two places recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in Yorkshire.
Sir Titus Salt designed this model village to improve the living conditions of his worker in the Yorkshire woollen industry.
Discover how this gem transformed the lives of workers by exploring Salt’s community today.
Bingley
Just seven miles from Haworth you will find the impressive Bingley Five Rise Locks.
The Five Rise Locks is a staircase lock on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
The locks opened on the 21st March 1774 and it was considered a huge engineering feat; they are the steepest of their kind in the UK!
You can marvel at this impressive engineering feat with a scenic stroll along the canal, and a wander around the pretty market town.
Hardcastle Crags
If you want to admire a different kind of Yorkshire landscape after roaming the moors, head to the spectacular woodland of Hardcastle Crags.
This National Trust owned woodland consists of over 15 miles of footpaths in more than 400 acres of unspoiled woodland.
It is only nine miles from Haworth and has some beautiful walking trails.
Top Withens Circular Walk
So, that is how to get to Top Withens from Haworth.
If you’re looking for great walks in West Yorkshire, this one should absolutely be on your list!
The moorland landscape is striking and inspiring. Whether you’re a Brontë fan or not, you’re sure to love this picturesque trail.
If you’ve enjoyed this walk and want to see more of the West Yorkshire countryside, check out these circular walks in West Yorkshire.
Before You Go
If you’re ready to walk from Haworth to Top Withens, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it so you can revisit this guide!
And if you love Yorkshire as much as I do, sign up for my weekly newsletter for even more Yorkshire adventures and tips!
Until our next adventure,
Related Articles
P.S. Love it? Pin it!
If you like this guide about how to walk from Haworth to Top Withens, be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest. That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great West Yorkshire travel guides.
Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
This is one of my favourite walks of all time! Definitely one of the best in Yorkshire. Great post 🙂
I completely agree! It is such a dramatic route! Thanks for reading!
Confession: I had no idea what the word wuthering meant 😆 …but what a gorgeous part of the UK. I’d love to see Bronte Falls in person & Saltaire looks like a charming place also.
Haha I shouldn’t worry, I don’t think many people do! Once you know the meaning you can see why it is such a good fit! It is a beautiful region, I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
What a lovely walk, a shame I didn’t do it while I was living in the UK. Thanks for sharing it.
I’m sorry to hear that you missed it! What a great excuse to come back for a visit and try it out! Thanks for reading!
Such a great walking guide . Walking is such a great exercise. I love that it is circular.
This route certainly felt like a workout! It gets a little steep in places! It is a beautiful route!
We will definitely need to visit West Yorkshire on our next visit. And plan to do the walk from Top Withens from Haworth. This 8 mile circular path provides such amazing and diverse views! How fun that is passes through small villages along the way.
Yey! It is such a beautiful route and well worth exploring! I hope you’re able to visit soon!
Definitely feels like I could use myself a little Haworth air, these places are astoundingly peaceful!
It is a beautiful spot. I was amazed by how completely SILENT it was! It was crazy! Definitely the perfect place to clear your head!
I love the history you included about this walk and the area! It sounds like a great option for a day trip if you’re in the county!
I’m so glad you like the guide! It is a fascinating place with such an interesting history. I definitely recommend a visit if you are ever in Yorkshire!
The Yorkshire moors really do have incredible landscape don’t they! I have not spent enough time in this part of the UK…it is sooo flipping beautiful!
I had no idea what is the meaning of Wuthering! That makes so much sense when you see the scenery she was writing about. 🙂
I love how varied the Yorkshire landscape is. The moorland is definitely picturesque! ‘Wuthering’ is definitely the right word to describe it! Luckily, we visited on a beautiful sunny day, but I imagine it is very wuthering most days!
I never knew Wuthering Heights was based on a real place! It looks stunning. I’ll definitely have to visit.
The location is certainly strikingly similar to the description in the book. It’s such a beautiful spot, I definitely recommend visiting when you get the chance!
That would be so neat to walk in the Brontë sisters’ steps. It looks like a lovely walk.
It is a beautiful walk and it is so inspiring to think that you’re following the route the Brontë’s once took! It’s no wonder they felt so inspired by this beautiful landscape!
Very informative article 🤗 Hopefully I get to visit here one day. thanks for sharing so many photos too
I’m so glad you like the guide! I hope you get a chance to visit too!
Oh, my goodness-so charming and quaint. I’ve been to the Cotswolds, but never gone further north. Can’t wait for things to open up so I can go back to England! Beautiful pics!
Yorkshire has so many beautiful places! Top Withens is definitely one of my favourites to explore, the walk is beautiful! I hope you’re able to return soon to try it out!
This looks like walking from the pages of one storybook to another! Now if I can just find a petsit in Haworth or Withens so I can do the walk in between… Thanks for a really informative article!
Ah if you’re ever in the area we have two fur babies that need sitting when we go on our adventures! Although we’re a little distance away unfortunately! It is a stunning walk and the landscape is incredible!
What a beautiful walk! I do love waterfalls 💖
It is a stunning walk and the waterfall is beautiful! I definitely recommend it!
oh I really loved reading about this circular walk. I love the connection to Brontë and all the other features along this walk. Haworth looks really picturesque too, so I’m definitely adding this walk to my list.
Haworth is definitely a popular spot in West Yorkshire. As a literature grad, it is one of my favourites! I definitely recommend visiting, you’d love the circular walk!
This looks like such a wonderful destination to visit! I love that there’s so much history and literature behind it, too. Thanks for sharing!
It is a really beautiful place with such an interesting story. I enjoyed the walk and admiring the beautiful landscape! Thanks for reading!
This circular walk looks so interesting with amazing views and landscape. If I would leave close by, I can already see how this would be my favourite spot 🙂
Ah it’s definitely one of my favourite spots! I was tempted to make it a regular working spot…amazingly, I could get a 4G signal! It definitely puts a new spin on ‘remote’ working doesn’t it!
I must read Wuthering Heights again and do the walk from Haworth to Top Withens!
I agree! I want to re-read it and do the walk all over again to appreciate it even more. It is a beautiful walk!
My kids would **love** to explore Top Withens. I’m sure they’d imagine all sorts of stories that could have happened in the stone ruins! I’d want to read Wuthering Heights while exploring this area—maybe while I rested after doing the Circular Walk. 🙂
Reading Wuthering Heights on the journey is a wonderful idea! It is certainly an inspiring spot and a great family walk! I hope you get an opportunity to explore it!
I love destinations with a fascinating backstory, and for those who love combining literature and travel, this is a gem. Thank you for the origins and meaning of ‘wuthering.’ It certainly seems to fit.
I’m so glad you like the guide! It is definitely a bit of a pilgrimage for literature lovers! Although whether you’re into literature or not, it is a beautiful spot! I agree, I think ‘wuthering’ describes it perfectly!
Haworth looks like an amazing place to stay. Such an elaborative guide. Keep up the awesome work.
Thanks so much! Haworth is a beautiful village, I’d definitely recommend it as a great place for a weekend break. I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Beautiful photos! This looks like such a lovely walk, and even better that it’s linked to Wuthering Heights, one of my favourite books. I love exploring Yorkshire!
Thanks Rachel! It is a lovely walk, the views are incredible! I hope you get an opportunity to try out the walk for yourself to enjoy a bit of Wuthering Heights history!
So interesting! Such a charming place! You’ve an excellent job with this article!
Thanks so much! It is such a picturesque landscape and such an interesting place!
Wow! the photos are really impressive, they make the place look just as you describe it. A very satisfying article. Very nice work!
Thanks Selene! The walk is so picturesque, and the landscape is incredible! I’m so glad you like this guide, thanks for reading!