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
‘We got robbed today but they will never rob our smile’ – Sheffield cafe stays defiant after break-in
A beloved cafe in Sheffield has responded to the burglars that broke into their business at the weekend.
Cafe Tucci seems to be looking on the bright side of the break-in, which saw the criminals smash the glass door and contents of the cafe and empty both tills.
In a statement shared online, the beloved cafe on Surrey Street described the burglary as another "one of those moments" following a recent power cut and bout of construction.
They also explained that unfortunately would be closed for a shot period of time, they said: "Hello guys we don’t know what happened to us but we been very unlucky this days. Some cracked broken out windows and take all the money and smashed everything in our coffee shop.
"Pls share if you can. We will be close for a bit as we wait for the police to come and investigate. We love you. And sorry."
But it's not all doom and gloom, as Cafe Tucci then posted a video of the emptied tills including some discarded football cards which the thieves fortunately left behind. They said: "At least they didn’t take the Maradona cards what a rookie mistake".
And to top it all off, their fourth and final post outlining the break-in included a truly iconic video of owner Salvatore singing about the burglary with a microphone and speaker in hand, with the caption stating: "We got robbed today but they will never rob our smile."
We'd expect nothing less from the legends at Cafe Tucci, and of course Sheffield has been flocking to the comments to show their support.
Many of whom are offering suggestions on how to get their door fixed as soon as possible so they can open again.
‘There is no refurb. There is no reopening. This is it.’ – legendary Sheffield club announces shock closure
Clementine Hall
One of Sheffield's most iconic venues is closing its doors for good.
We're not going to lie you guys, this one hurts a little.
One on the city's best-known nightclubs, Tank, is officially closing its doors for good after an amazing 12 years.
Whether you went there as a student or attended one of their legendary DJ nights, there's no denying that some class memories have been made (and probably forgotten) at Tank.
Announcing the news to social media with a heartbreaking statement, Tank said: "To all our Tank ravers. We have some truly heartbreaking and devastating news.
"After 12 absolutely amazing years and some of the most unforgettable events, it's time to close our doors for good. It's been a journey we never imagined possible back in 2014 when we first opened.
"We’ve hosted some of the biggest names from around the world and thrown some of the biggest parties most clubs could only dream of. And we did it for 12 years solid; an achievement not to be taken lightly in today’s nightlife industry."
"But with ever-growing costs and obstacles, we can continue no longer. Tank has always been a pioneer. The biggest acts, the best sound, cutting-edge lighting, unbeatable atmosphere and vibe, all whilst maintaining affordable ticket and drink prices.
"But in today’s climate, those standards simply cannot be maintained. With monthly running costs spiralling, it has become impossible to carry on."
The post continues thanking the team and declares it will be no more as of next week. We're not crying, you are.
If you're looking to wish Tank a proper farewell, they'll be hosting their last ever party this Saturday with tickets on sale now. Grab one to give Tank the proper sendoff it deserves.
The Hoot -
24th August 2023 
