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
Restaurant JÖRO receives coveted Michelin star breaking a decade-long drought for Sheffield
It's fantastic news for our city's food scene, as Restaurant JÖRO has been awarded a Michelin star.
Not only is it a huge triumph for JÖRO, but it is also a massive win for Sheffield as the award breaks a decade-long drought.
Often hailed as the city's best restaurant, JÖRO is run by husband-and-wife team Luke French and Stacey Sherwood.
Born in December 2016 in Sheffield's ultra trendy Kelham Island area, JÖRO (which is Old Norse for 'earth') quickly became the city’s first Michelin Bib Gourmand before then collecting three AA Rosettes and an entry in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
It is loved by critics all over the country, so it's safe to say this Michelin star is absolutely well and truly deserved.
The space has just 11 tables, and their food is focused on top ingredients, purity and locality.
The space is light and airy, no dress code necessary with an inviting open kitchen that entices you to sneak a peek.
But, don't just take our word for it. Here's what the guide has to say: "JÖRO’s relocation to this 300-year-old former mill on the edge of Sheffield has certainly been a labour of love. The building has been smartly converted, with bedrooms available upstairs and an open kitchen in the dining room.
"The cooking is pure and occasionally playful, with the quality ingredients treated with respect and understanding. Just take the Vale of Mowbray hogget, for example, enhanced by a mint-tinged lamb jus, a bright tomato and chipotle cream, and a vibrant caponata.
"The excellent service is a real team effort, with every person brimming with enthusiasm."
A huge congratulations to Luke, Stacey and the team - we couldn't think of anywhere more deserving. Cheers to you!
Planning application submitted for new padel courts at Sheffield’s Steel City Stadium
Clementine Hall
A property specialist has submitted an application to build three padel courts on land at Steel City Stadium.
It seems the padel craze is never ending, as more padel courts could soon be landing in Sheffield.
Scarborough Group International (SGI) are looking to build the courts as part of the group's long-term investment into the stadium.
The three courts would sit on the same level as the stadium, giving padel players access to the toilets, cafe, changing facilities and the stadium's workspace community.
If the plans are approved, the courts are expected to be up and running by summer 2026.
Image: Scarborough Group International
Scott McCabe, Director at SGI, spoke about the application: “Submitting this planning application marks another important step in the ongoing evolution of Steel City Stadium.
"We have invested considerably in the Stadium over recent years, from delivering the grandstand to opening the new café and coworking lounge, and we are committed to ensuring this becomes a vibrant, inclusive and active place for the whole community.
“Padel is a sport that is growing at remarkable pace across the UK. If consent is granted, we stand ready to deliver these courts quickly and bring a much-needed new opportunity for participation, wellbeing and community connection to the Park.”
The application follows a huge period of investment by SGI into Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, to date they have invested a whopping £10 million into the stadium.
We'll keep you updated when we know more about the progress of the application. Game, set, padel!
The Hoot -
24th August 2023 
