From Heath to Goosehill, Kirkthorpe and back

(S/E) From the car park, turn right, walking towards the 4 lane junction. Follow the wider lane to the right and walk across the grass to the stile between the high and lower stone walls. Climb over the stile and follow the footpath between the hawthorn hedgerows. Pass through the gate, turning into a field. The path takes a diagonal route over the fields leading to a second gate. Enter the next field where the path goes around the perimeter. At the top left hand corner, bear right. Look for the gap in the hedge, where a small bridge takes you into a third field. Walk diagonally over this towards the road.

(1) On reaching the road, turn left, and soon after passing over the bridge over the disused railway, take the signed bridleways along the fields to the left. Continue along this track, until reaching Warmfiel Lane of the bottom of Marshall Hill. Cross over the road, turn right and then take the signed Trans Pennine Trail bridleway that continues on the left. Note the fine views over Wakefield to the left.

(2) The path runs out onto Goosehill Lane, turn left downhill. Before the gate there is a path to the right takes you on to Goosehill Common. Take this short detour, walking downhill towards the pond. To rejoin the main route, retrace your step to Goosegill Lane and continue through the gateway, walking past the cattery and over the railway bridges.

(3) After crossing over the 'live' railway, turn left, going uphill to the right of the fence, and then along the tree lined path.

(4) On reaching the barrier, turn left and then along through the railway tunnel. Follow the path as it bears right and after passing the rear of the church, emerge on Half Moon Lane. (To see the village stocks, walk uphill turn left and at Kirkthorp Lane they are just to your right. Now retrace your steps). Turn right down the lane.

(5) Take the signed path to the left. This path takes you through a wooded area, and after a while, Half Moon Lake comes into view below the path. At the brown Trans Pennine Trail sign bear left, walking uphill onto Kirkthorp Lane.

(6) Turn right onto Kirkthorpe Lane and follow the road to Heath Village. Turn left following the track past the Kings Arms to return to the car park.(S/E)

There are four public houses in the area. The Kings Arms and Horse and Groom at Heath and the Pineapple Inn and Plough Inn at Warmfield.