Railway Children Walk
Railway Children Walk
4.4
(20)
106
hikers
Railway Children Walk
02:20
8.42km
160m
Hiking
Hike the moderate 5.2-mile Railway Children Walk in Haworth, exploring film locations and enjoying views of the Keighley & Worth Valley Rail
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
2.06 km
Oakworth Station
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
3.85 km
View of Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Engine Sheds
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
5.79 km
Three Chimneys House (The Railway Children)
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
8.42 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.24 km
2.54 km
1.90 km
587 m
155 m
Surfaces
2.61 km
2.49 km
2.10 km
1.21 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (270 m)
Lowest point (160 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 6 May
13°C
2°C
20 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park for the Railway Children Walk?
The walk typically starts from Haworth, which has several public car parks. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak season, as parking can fill up quickly.
Is the Railway Children Walk dog-friendly?
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, please keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through fields with livestock or near roads. Always clean up after your pet.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather and lush scenery, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Winter walks are possible but can be muddy, so appropriate footwear is essential.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the trail?
No, there are no permits required or entrance fees to hike the Railway Children Walk. It is freely accessible to the public.
What is the terrain like on the route?
The terrain is varied, including marked paths, fields, and some harder surfaces. You'll encounter naturally hilly countryside with several climbs, some rocky footing, and sections of paved, unpaved, asphalt, and gravel paths. It also follows a river and crosses small bridges.
What landmarks and sights will I see along the way?
The route takes you through locations famously featured in 'The Railway Children' film. Highlights include Oakworth Station, a view of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Engine Sheds, and Three Chimneys House (Bent's House from the film). You'll also enjoy expansive views of the Yorkshire countryside and the chance to see steam trains.
Is the Railway Children Walk suitable for families with children?
Yes, it is generally considered family-friendly. While there are some climbs and varied terrain, shorter versions of the walk are available, and many parts feature easily-accessible paths. The film connection and steam trains are often a hit with children.
How can I reach the trailhead using public transport?
Haworth is accessible by public transport. You can take a bus from Keighley, which has a train station connecting to the wider rail network. The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway also operates heritage steam trains to Haworth, offering a unique way to arrive.
Are there different route options or difficulty levels for the walk?
Yes, while the main route is considered moderate, there are variations. Shorter, easier sections are available, particularly around Haworth. The difficulty can increase with longer loops or sections that diverge from the stream and railway line, which tend to be steeper.
Does the trail intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Worth Way and the Bronte Way.
Are there cafes or pubs near the trail?
Haworth, where the walk typically starts and ends, offers a good selection of cafes, pubs, and shops to enjoy before or after your hike.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
For a fuller description and pictures check out https://instagram.com/shortishwalks?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
This is a circular tour based on Howarth. I started and finished the tour outside Howarth station on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Line. I started by crossing the bridge over the railway line and did a loop to the north of the station. Although this does provide an opportunity to get close to the railway line at one point, I do not think it is worthwhile doing. Instead, I would walk along Station Road going south, turn left up Brow Road and then pick up my route from the footpath on the right at the bottom of Brow Road. The footpath follows the course of Bridgehouse Beck to Oxenhope. Along the way there are opportunities to get close to the railway line for a shot of one of the trains. I was pleasantly surprised to see a packhorse bridge just after Ives Bottom Farm. This crossed the beck and then led to a path under the railway line. I carried on the path by the beck and eventually came into Oxenhope and I visited the station, where a train had just arrived. If you are interested in getting photos of trains, it is probably best to time the hike so that you get to the station just before a train arrives. Just before Oxenhope there is a bridge over the railway line that will provide another vantage point. I walked up Moorhouse Lane, took a footpath to the right and then eventually came to Old Oxenhope Lane. The lane carries on as a footpath past a farm where the road bends sharply left. Past the farm there are great views over the valley. Later the path becomes enclosed by walls and has a number of dog legs. I found this stretch quite charming and it was nice to see that the vegetation had been cut down to aid walking there. I came into the top of Howarth by the church and walked down Main Street, with its throngs of tourists, before turning left on the cobbled Butt Lane that took me to the station. This was an enjoyable hike with many interesting things and views to see along the route. I think it is also best done clockwise so that you do not have to climb up Butt Lane.