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
Brilliant local beer shop slams ‘lowlife individual’ who broke in to steal bottles of wine
A local independent beer shop has slammed the person who broke in to the business and made off with several hundred pounds' worth of product.
Beer Central said that the 'lowlife individual' forced their way into the shop's fridges and stole bottles of wine from inside.
The Moor Market business said it was 'disappointed' by the break-in, especially as it happened during what is famously one of the toughest times of year for businesses in the alcohol world.
Beer Central has been in operation for more than a decade, selling a wide range of beers from local breweries as well as European bottles and cans, fantastic wines, and plenty more (where else could you choose from a full range of mead?)
Overseen now by Megan Lindop and Ross Lindsay, it's a really lovely Sheffield indie to spend your hard-earned cash with.
Beer Central wrote in a statement on Instagram: "We're disappointed to share that Beer Central was broken into, with someone forcing their way into our fridge and helping themselves to £150-£200 worth of wine.
"January is one of the toughest months for any small business, and it's incredibly disheartening when someone feels entitled to undermine the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to keep an indie business running.
"That said, we're not letting it bring us down.
"We're fortunate to have two CCTV cameras clearly covering the area, so we're confident the lowlife individual responsible will be identified.
"As always, we really appreciate the support from you all. Thank you, Beer Central x"
When The Sheff popped in this week to check in on the team, they said: "There's a Sainsbury's across the road, if you were going to steal from someone why did you have to target a small local business?"
Of course, other Sheffield businesses have rallied around Beer Central, including the Dog & Partridge pub, who wrote: "I’m so sorry, guys. Let us know if you need a hand with anything."
Neepsend Brew Co wrote: "So sorry to hear this guys."
And Atom Beers said: "Hey guys we would love to donate a mixed case of beers for you to sell and hopefully recoup some of the losses pop us a DM."
There’s never been a better time to pop in and buy a bottle from this lovely business.Â
Inside Drop Bear – the new Aussie coffee shop that’s just opened in Sheffield city centre
Clementine Hall
A new Australian-inspired cafe and coffee shop has landed in Sheffield, providing 'coffee that kicks and food that fuels'.
It's safe to say that the Aussies know what they’re doing when it comes to coffee, so when an Australian-style cafe opens in Sheffield city centre you make it your priority to visit.
Introducing Drop Bear, and here you’ll find everything to cure that caffeine craving from your classic glossy coffees to their wonderful rotating seasonal creations like an Ube Cheesecake Latte.
Drop Bear comes from the same husband-and-wife team behind Sheff's beloved Hygge, the Scandi-inspired cafe with sites dotted around town.
Images: The Sheff
This time their sights are set on the cafe culture of Australia - think great coffee and beautiful but nourishing food.
As for the name of the new venture - it's a silly nod to the folklore hoax of a carnivorous koala bear the drops from the trees to attack people (many-a tourist visiting Australia have fallen for this one).
Drop Bear has just opened in the Strines Building, slap-bang in the centre of campus making it perfect for a mid-lecture pick me up.
Images: The Sheff
And it's not just great coffee they serve, they've also got some great food options to keep you going from stacked sushi rolls and fresh salmon bowls to fluffy breakfast bao buns.
The interior is light, airy and spacious - and you'll even spot a few drop bears dotted around the walls and ceilings, including one that is sporting a Paul Mescal-esque hooped earring.
Owner Alex said: "Our vision for Drop Bear Coffee is simple. We wanted to create a space that feels energetic, welcoming, and real, somewhere people can fuel up properly."
The Hoot -
24th August 2023 
