Judy Woods Circular from Wyke
West Yorkshire
Judy Woods is a chain of connected woodlands between Wyke, Norwood Green and Woodside on the southern edge of Bradford where dogs can run off lead through the trees, taking in Low Wood, Old Hanna Wood, Royds Hall Great Wood and Jagger Park Wood. At 40 hectares it is the largest continuous public woodland in the Bradford district and one of the largest areas of beech woodland in Yorkshire. The woods were part of the Royds Hall estate and were coppiced, then mined for coal and ironstone after the Low Moor Ironworks bought the estate in 1790; the hollows of old bell pits can still be found among the trees. They were replanted with beech around 1845 and are named after Judy North, who lived nearby in the mid 19th century. This 5.3km loop from Station Road in Wyke follows woodland paths down to the beck and through the huge beeches, returning along field edges, with a few steep slopes and plenty of mud after rain.
This is a dog friendly walk and a favourite with Bradford dog owners. The woods are big enough for a dog with good recall to enjoy plenty of off-lead time, livestock is rarely met in the woods, and the streams that converge in the beck give water to drink and paddle in. Put your dog on a lead where the route crosses fields and lanes. The beech canopy gives deep shade in summer. There are no facilities, and parking is on the street.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.3 km (3.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- None in the woods; shops and pubs in Wyke and Norwood Green.
- Parking
- On-street parking on Station Road, Wyke, near the woodland entrance and information boards.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Judy Woods Circular from Wyke, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Weavers Cottage - Slaithwaite
Sleeps 12 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,975 / 7 nights
Lower Mount Farm - On The Tops
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £669 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in West YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Judy Woods Circular from Wyke dog friendly?
Judy Woods scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness and is a well-loved spot among Bradford dog owners. The woods are large enough to give dogs plenty of space to roam, livestock is rarely encountered in the woodland itself, and the beck and its tributaries offer handy spots to drink and paddle along the way.
Can dogs be off lead at Judy Woods Circular from Wyke?
Yes — dogs with good recall can enjoy off-lead time through the woodland sections of this 5.3km loop, which takes in Low Wood, Old Hanna Wood, Royds Hall Great Wood and Jagger Park Wood. You should put your dog back on the lead where the route crosses fields and lanes.
What should I know before visiting Judy Woods Circular from Wyke with my dog?
The route includes a few steep slopes and can get very muddy after rain, so it's worth going prepared for that. There are no facilities in the woods themselves, though shops and pubs can be found in Wyke and Norwood Green, and parking is on-street on Station Road near the woodland entrance.
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