There are loads of spots around the North West where you can head out into the hills and enjoy the colourful late-summer landscapes.
From the Peak District on our doorstep to spots across the hills right here in Yorkshire, it's well worth sticking your hiking boots on and getting out for a walk.
And given that the hills and mountains around the UK and surrounding Leeds are currently in their prettiest phase, awash with bright purple heather, it would be rude not to check them out, reports The Manc.
The flowering shrub normally first shows its tiny purple blooms in late July but will keep flowering for a couple more weeks yet, usually displaying its bright colours until September.
From the Peak District on our doorstep to spots across the hills right here in Yorkshire, it's well worth sticking your hiking boots on and getting out for a walk.
Here are a few of our favourite places and walks to see heather around West Yorkshire and beyond...
Ilkley Moor
Just above the spa town of Ilkley is Ilkley Moor, where the heather grows around a rocky outcrop known as the Cow and Calf, which people say resembles a cow sheltering her calf.
It's a popular spot for all sorts of activities, including rock climbing, bird watching and hiking.
This National Trust site is slap bang between Leeds and Manchester and, blissfully, is on the train line - so you don't even need to be able to drive to visit.
There are plenty of well-planned routes to follow, but if you want an only-slightly challenging walk, head on the 4.5 mile circular around Deer Hill, which is lined with heather.
This large open space near Sowerby Bridge has so much heather at the right time of year, it's like someone's rolled out the purple carpet.
It's really at its best at this time of year and there are tonnes of pubs nearby to wind down in afterwards.
Hope Valley
Win Hill. Credit: Unsplash
The Hope Valley is a heather hotspot - walks at Bamford Edge, Win Hill, Higger Tor, Owler Tor and Stanage Edge are all stunning.
You really can't go wrong in this rugged, rocky corner of the Peak District, but it might be the staggering symmetry of the heather climbing beside the footpaths of Win Hill that gets out vote.
Walks along Blackden Brook aren't for the inexperienced - it's more of a rocky scramble, complete with streams and tough terrain, than a gentle Sunday hike.
But you'll be rewarded by splashes of purple heather sticking out from this incredible rocky landscape.
The steep climb up to Baslow Edge is well worth it for the sweeping countryside views that greet you at the top.
On a really clear day you can see all the way to Chatsworth House, and even on cloudier days you've got a good chance of spotting a Highland Cow wandering around the rugged landscape.
Featured image: Unsplash
The Sheff
Pulp and John Burkhill amongst eight Sheffield legends to be honoured with stars outside Town Hall
The Sheffield Legends honour is awarded to those who make the city proud.
Sheffield Council have announced the latest wave of recipients to be honoured with the coveted plaques outside the Town Hall.
The stars are awarded to individuals or groups who are or were at the top of their field, easily recognisable at a national or global level, and who have made a significant contribution to promoting Sheffield in a positive light.
Nominations were reviewed by an independent Awards Panel made up of representatives from across the city.
The list of recipients include none other than the legend that is John Burkhill, aka 'the man with the pram', who no doubt you've seen walking around town in his iconic green wig. John has raised over £1 million for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his late wife June and daughter Karen and we couldn't be happier to see his achievement being recognised.
International super group Pulp were honoured for their "worldwide success and cultural impact, having helped define British music in the 1990s while proudly championing their Sheffield roots throughout their career."
Uriah Rennie is being honoured with a Sheffield Legends plaque posthumously, for his pioneering career as a Premier League referee whilst Dame Julie Kenny is also being awarded posthumously, in recognition of her leadership in business and commitment to supporting South Yorkshire’s economic growth.
Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham received the honour for his achievements in boxing and Paul Carrack was honoured for his outstanding contributions to music as a singer, songwriter, and multi‑instrumentalist.
Danny Willett and Joe Root were previously announced as honourees for their huge accomplishments in the sporting world.
On Monday 2 February, Uriah Rennie’s Sheffield Legends plaque will be unveiled outside Sheffield Town Hall at 11am.
Elm – The stylish coffee shop that hides one of Sheffield’s best restaurants
Daisy Jackson
One of Sheffield's best lunch menus is being served inside a Glossop Road coffee shop - but this is on another level to a soup and a sandwich offering.
Elm is one of the city's most stylish spaces, which is no surprise, given that it's run by identical twins and acclaimed designers Nik and Jon Daughtry.
And while it enjoys a healthy trade by day, where people gather for coffees, toasties, catch-ups and some laptop surfing, Elm has recently added a formidable string to its bow.
Since taking on chef Nathan Wall, a self-taught visionary who's been of the most respected names on the Derbyshire restaurant scene, Elm now has a refined food offering worthy of its beautiful interiors.
Previously, we've only been able to get a taste of his cooking in the evenings, when the team serve up an exceptional set menu - but a condensed version has now made its way into the lunch service too.
Head on back to the 'blue room' - a gorgeous space with just eight covers - and you can have a three-course, £35 lunch menu that's 'short in courses, long in flavour'.
As with all of chef Nathan's menus, it'll remain proudly seasonal, which in January has meant ingredients like Jerusalem artichoke and chicory have their time in the spotlight.
Inside the Blue Room at Elm SheffieldTreacle loafThat amazing cheese courseMain courses on the Restaurant Elm lunch menuNamelaka
The main lunch menu at the start of 2026 has included a roasted Jerusalem artichoke in a vintage cheddar custard; a Creedy Carver duck breast and braised leg, with orange-glazed chicory, and carrot and orange puree; and a pistachio and dark chocolate namelaka, with a pistachio caramel and raspberry reduction.
That's the main three-course lunch menu, and for the sheer calibre of the cooking, it's excellent value.
But we'd highly recommend going the whole hog and adding in the bread course (it's a miniature treacle loaf with cultured butter) and the cheese course (a piece of Jasmine and ginger fruit cake with gooey baron brigod cheese and a pickled walnut ketchup).
Lunch at Restaurant Elm in Sheffield is served between 12pm and 2.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays - you can book your spot here.
The Hoot -
24th August 2023 
