4.5
(1652)
14,546
hikers
22
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Cawthorne traverse a landscape characterized by rolling hills, extensive woodlands, and a network of streams and becks. The region features historic parklands, notably around Cannon Hall, which include landscaped gardens, lakes, and woodland paths. Many routes also follow former industrial waggonways, offering a glimpse into the area's past. This diverse terrain provides varied scenery for outdoor activities.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
4.0
(1)
56
hikers
1.83km
00:30
30m
30m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
9
hikers
6.59km
01:50
120m
120m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

4.8
(5)
25
hikers
5.66km
01:37
130m
130m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(1)
75
hikers
1.96km
00:32
30m
30m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
3.5
(2)
15
hikers
5.49km
01:26
40m
40m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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A mixture of history, café, shops, geese by the river and somewhere to sit outside. This is a good place to stop on a walk that welcomes walkers and their dogs.
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Low Mill Farm about 400 metres further along the Waggonway is the site and remains of an iron furnace which was in use in the early 1800s. The ore mined from bell pits on the hillside above, was fed into the top of the furnace along with coke. The bellows for the air blast were worked by a mill wheel driven by water from Silkstone Beck stored in holding ponds in the valley. The small wood was originally a holding pond for a 17th Century iron furnace at Barnby, it is rich in wild flowers such as Bluebell, Red Campion and in ditches Ramsons (wild garlic). The bridleway was once a very important road used by pack horses carrying charcoal to Barnby Furnace and as a route down the valley before the Waggonway was built.
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A lovely church and site of the Huskar memorial to a mine disaster. The Church of all Saints was built on the remains of an old Saxon Church. Building commenced about 1150 and was completed in 1495. It is built of York stone with an internal oak roof. During the Commonwealth under Cromwell, the wall paintings in the church were whitewashed over and horses stabled in the church. Near the boundary wall there is a large rectangular pointed monument. This is the memorial to the 26 children who lost their lives in the Huskar Pit disaster in July 1838. These children were buried in the graveyard in separate coffins in seven graves. Note the children's ages. The resulting inquiry led to the 1842 Mines Act which sought to introduce some protection for child miners and meant that all girls and boys under the age of ten were prohibited from working underground
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Easy walking on good surfaces. Keep an eye out for the remains of the Silkstone Waggonway. The Waggonway is one of the oldest plate ways in the country, built in 1809, to transport the coal mined in the valley down to the Canal Basin at Barnsley Bridge, Cawthorne. The stone sleeper blocks drilled to locate and position the iron rails can best be seen between the stocks and Barnsley Road. Make sure you see the reconstructed Waggon pass-bye with replica iron rails and a wall plaque. The Waggonway was a single track and at convenient places pass-byes to allow passage of the full and empty wagons. D The spoil heap on the left of the Waggonway indicates the site of Joseph Popplewell and Partners Colliery known locally as ‘Pop Pits’ worked first in the early 1800s after the Waggonway was built.
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Lock bike up outside and enjoy a hot drink and lovely cakes 👍
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Three miles, no Stiles or gates. No steep hills
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Great bike friendly cafe with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Great selection of cakes and they also do hot food before 2.30. Bike stands to park your bike up outside too. There's also a petting farm just beind the cafe so it's a great spot to add in to a walk or ride with children.
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Cawthorne offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 340 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, the area features more than 600 hiking routes, catering to various preferences.
Yes, many easy trails around Cawthorne are suitable for families. The region's rolling hills, woodlands, and historic parklands, particularly around Cannon Hall, provide gentle terrain and engaging scenery. Routes like the Cascade loop from Cawthorne are short and feature a small lake, making them ideal for outings with children.
Cawthorne's extensive woodlands and open countryside offer many dog-friendly paths. While specific restrictions may apply in certain areas, such as within Cannon Hall's formal gardens, the general landscape of former waggonways and field paths is welcoming for dogs. Always keep dogs under control and check local signage.
Yes, Cawthorne is well-suited for circular walks, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Many of the easy routes, such as the Hiking loop from High Hoyland, are designed as loops, taking you through varied landscapes of fields and woodlands.
Easy hikes around Cawthorne often feature picturesque rolling hills, extensive woodlands, and tranquil streams like Cawthorne Dyke. You can also explore historic parklands, most notably around Cannon Hall, which includes landscaped gardens, lakes, and even a small waterfall. Some trails follow former industrial waggonways, offering a glimpse into the area's past. For specific viewpoints, consider highlights like Pea Royd Lane Hill Climb Summit View or View from Blacker Hill Stone Circle.
Parking is generally available in and around Cawthorne village, as well as at popular starting points like Cannon Hall. Many routes are accessible from village centers or designated car parks, making it convenient to begin your easy hike.
The duration of easy hikes varies, but many can be completed within 1 to 2 hours. For example, the Cascade loop from Cawthorne is about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) and takes approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes. Longer easy options, like the Shaded Forest Path – Bank House Farm and Stocks loop from Silkstone, are around 4.2 miles (6.7 km) and take about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Cawthorne is enjoyable for easy hikes throughout the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers to the woodlands, while summer offers pleasant conditions for exploring the parklands. Autumn showcases vibrant foliage across the rolling hills, and even winter can be beautiful, with crisp air and serene landscapes, especially on well-maintained paths.
Yes, the historic parklands around Cannon Hall are a prominent feature for easy walks. These 18th-century landscaped grounds offer beautifully maintained paths through mature trees, open grassland, and alongside lakes, providing a gentle and scenic hiking experience.
The easy trails in Cawthorne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse scenery, which includes rolling hills, extensive woodlands, and historic parklands. The well-maintained paths and the blend of natural beauty with historical elements are often highlighted as key attractions.
Yes, Cawthorne village and nearby areas offer options for refreshments. You'll find local pubs and cafes where you can relax and refuel after your hike. Cannon Hall also has facilities, including a café, within its grounds, making it a convenient stop for many routes.
While Cawthorne is primarily accessed by car, local bus services connect the village to larger towns like Barnsley. It's advisable to check current bus schedules and routes to plan your journey to the trailheads if relying on public transport.


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