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
Courteeners are returning to Sheffield to headline Rock N Roll Circus 2027
The Manchester indie heroes are making a triumphant return to Sheffield.
Following an absolutely belting headline set at Tramlines this year, it seems the Courteeners just can't get enough of the Steel City as they're announced as a headliner for next year's Rock N Roll Circus.
Fresh from a new album and nationwide tour, they'll be bringing their set of singalong indie anthems to Don Valley Bowl on Saturday 28 August 2027.
And they're in good company too, with The Vaccines and The Lathums joining the line-up alongside a brilliant mix of both established and up-and-coming talent.
Also joining the bill are The Guest List, Girl In The Year Above, Little Grandad, Cowboy Hunters, Cherryholt, Saint Clair, Ist Ist and Yorkshire’s Slates and south coast band Crystal Tides.
This is just the first wave of acts to be announced, with three more headliners expected to take to the stage over the bank holiday weekend.
Now entering its fifth year in Sheffield, Rock N Roll Circus has established itself as a big hitter in the UK's festival calendar.
Ali O'Reilly, Festival Director of Rock N Roll Circus, said: "Anyone who saw Courteeners at Tramlines last year knows exactly what Sheffield means to this band. They absolutely blew the doors off the place, and there's something about the connection between Liam and a Sheffield crowd that makes every show feel like a homecoming.
"To have The Vaccines and The Lathums joining them is a huge statement, but we're just as excited about the artists coming through on Stage 2. Bands like Cherryholt, Cowboy Hunters and Ist Ist are exactly why we love putting these line-ups together. There's something brilliant about watching a new band in an intimate setting and then heading into the Big Top for one of the biggest acts in the country.
"2027 marks our fifth year in Sheffield, which is a real milestone for us. We've grown with the city, the audiences have been incredible and we're proud of what Rock N Roll Circus has become."
Rock N Roll Circus returns to Sheffield's Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 August 2027, with Courteeners headlining on Saturday 28 August.
Tickets go on sale this Friday 6 November, find out more here.
Pop royalty S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Leeds and Sheffield gigs
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back toYorkshire on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, a night at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
The Hoot -
24th August 2023 
