Barwick-in-Elmet unveils itself as a charming village. It stands as one of merely three locales in the region with a direct link to the storied Romano-British kingdom of Elmet from antiquity.

In this village, an exploration awaits, highlighted by noteworthy attractions. Among them is the village's pride: the second-largest Maypole in the United Kingdom. Another gem, Hall Tower Hill, once an observatory during the Second World War, graces the landscape. Completing the village experience, one can find solace within the welcoming confines of any of its three public houses.

Alex Foxfield

November 7, 2020

Hiking

One of Barwick in Elmet's most distinctive landmarks, this 86-foot (26m) maypole is the second highest in the UK. Every three years, a raising ceremony takes place where tradition dictates that a local villager climbs the pole to spin 'the fox', which is actually a weather vane. The maypole marks the end of the first of the four traditional stages of the Leeds Country Way.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Nearby routes

Best routes near Barwick-in-Elmet Maypole

4.2

(10)

hikers

#1.

Leeds Country Way: Barwick-in-Elmet Loop

7.27km

01:56

80m

Hike the easy 4.5-mile Leeds Country Way: Barwick-in-Elmet Loop, featuring woodlands, open fields, and the iconic Barwick-in-Elmet Maypole.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

4.6

(10)

hikers

#2.

Nellie's Tree – Barwick-in-Elmet Maypole loop from Garforth

19.8km

05:12

150m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.6

(12)

hikers

#3.

Nellie's Tree – Barwick-in-Elmet Maypole loop from Aberford

17.6km

04:37

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 140 m

Weather

Monday 4 May

12°C

5°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: -- km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Barwick In Elmet And Scholes, Leeds, Yorkshire And The Humber, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Pompocali and Hetchell Wood

Waterloo Lake

Fairburn Ings RSPB Nature Reserve

Thorpe Arch Bridge

St Aidan's Opencast Dragline (National Coal Board)

Woodhall Bridge Over the River Wharfe

Leeds Country Way

Hetchell Crag

Wetherby Bridge and Weir on the River Wharfe

Hall Tower Earthworks, Barwick-in-Elmet

Gravel Path Junction

East Leeds Orbital Gravel Bridleway

Barwick-in-Elmet Maypole

#1.

Leeds Country Way: Barwick-in-Elmet Loop

#2.

Nellie's Tree – Barwick-in-Elmet Maypole loop from Garforth

#3.

Nellie's Tree – Barwick-in-Elmet Maypole loop from Aberford

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️