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
International fashion brand Urban Outfitters to open in Sheffield city centre
Get ready fashionistas, because Urban Outfitters is coming to Sheffield.
The international fashion brand is known for its trendy, y2k fashion pieces in both menswear and womenswear.
It has become the latest brand to take a space at Sheffield's coveted Heart of the City regeneration project.
Urban Outfitters has recently agreed on a lease for a 8,500 sq ft of retail space located on Pinstone Street.
Image: Sheffield City Council
Working alongside RivingtonHark, Urban Outfitters will join recent arrivals Superdry, Lucy & Yak, Fjallraven, Sostrene Grene, and Weekend Offender as part of the centre’s “evolving” mix of international, regional and independent retail brands.
It's safe to say that the project has completely transformed Sheffield City Centre, with a "thriving concentration of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, experiences, apartments, townhouses, and over 330,000 sq ft of occupied workspace” taking over the area.
Sean McClean, director of regeneration and development at Sheffield City Council, said: “It is great to see the momentum surrounding our Heart of the City project shows no signs of slowing down, as we see another retailer secured to move into the development.
"This builds on recent openings to increase the retail offer in Heart of the City. Our aim was to transform and regenerate the area of the city centre, bringing people back into Sheffield and we’ve done just that. The city centre is a fantastic place for people to live, work and enjoy.”
Laurence Jones, Portfolio director at RivingtonHark, also said: “At RivingtonHark we are a trusted partner among local authorities for delivering long-term value across complex regeneration projects. We are currently working with 10 local councils across the UK to deliver vibrant destinations and together with Sheffield City Council we have helped transform the city centre into a flagship location for offices, retail, leisure and F&B operators.
"With international brands such as Urban Outfitters queuing to become part of Heart of the City, complimented by cutting edge regional and independent brands, we look forward to announcing more new arrivals as we continue to transform the city centre.’"
First concept images reveal how The Crucible will look after £45 million investment
Clementine Hall
The first concept images showing the future of The Crucible have been unveiled.
One of Sheffield's most iconic buildings could undergo a huge makeover following a proposed £45 million investment.
The design proposals were revealed at Sheffield City Council's Strategy and Resources Committee, which approved the next stage of design work and the preparation of a full business case for the project.
The plans will see £45m invested into the Crucible to upgrade and expand the venue.
Credit: Press images (Sheffield City Council)
The transformation will include the ability to increase its capacity by 50%, from its current 964 seats to a 1,500-seat theatre in the round, as well as wider improvements to modernise both the visitor experience and the behind-the-scenes facilities.
Approval also allows for further progress to be made on the funding strategy for the project.
Credit: Press images (Sheffield City Council)
Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "The Crucible has played a central role in Sheffield's cultural identity for more than 50 years and I am delighted that we are moving forward with this project to ensure that this remains the case for the foreseeable future.
"These new images bring the vision for its future to life showing how we can preserve both its unique atmosphere and its legacy while creating a modern, sustainable venue fit for generations to come.
"This investment represents a huge vote of confidence in Sheffield's cultural offer and city centre, and we're taking an important step towards securing the long-term future of this world-renowned venue and the economic, social and cultural benefits it brings to our city."
So, what do you think? Do you like the look of the new Crucible?
The Hoot -
24th August 2023 
