But now that festivities are over, getting out and about to walk off some of the turkey is often much needed. If you’re in need of some fresh air keen to stretch your legs, these walking spots in and around Leeds are a great place to start for a bit of New Year exercise. Start as you mean to go on and tick off some of these walks in 2021.
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Where will you explore in the New Year? Photo: Shutterstock
. Ilkley Moor
If you want a walking trail with a view, you couldn’t do much better than following a 6.3 mile trail around Ilkley Moor. Starting at West View Park, the route across the heather-covered moorland, passing by landmarks including Ilkley Crags and Lower Lanshaw Drop, before finishing at the impressive Cow and Calf rocks. Photo: Gary Longbottom
. Horsforth Hall Park
Located just six miles from Leeds city centre, this large community park in Horsforth is ideal for a gentle stroll. There’s plenty of open parkland to cover and kids can be kept entertained by the various attractions, including an adventure playground, bowling green, cricket pitch and a Japanese formal garden. Photo: Gary Longbottom.
. The Hollies
Situated on the west bank of Meanwood Valley, The Hollies can be accessed via Weetwood Lane or from Meanwood Park, and offers a magical landscape of woodland paths and formal gardens to explore. It is rumored that J.R.R. Tolkein spent time here and used it as inspiration for Middle Earth. Photo: Steven Sutcliffe
. Meanwood Valley Trail
If you want to enjoy a longer walk, take a wander along this seven mile linear walk which stretches from from Meanwood Valley through to Breary Marsh, next to Golden Acre Park, meandering through pretty woodland along a relatively flat route, fit for all abilities. Photo: Other 3rd Party
1. Ilkley Moor
If you want a walking trail with a view, you couldn’t do much better than following a 6.3 mile trail around Ilkley Moor. Starting at West View Park, the route across the heather-covered moorland, passing by landmarks including Ilkley Crags and Lower Lanshaw Drop, before finishing at the impressive Cow and Calf rocks. Photo: Gary Longbottom
2. Horsforth Hall Park
Located just six miles from Leeds city centre, this large community park in Horsforth is ideal for a gentle stroll. There’s plenty of open parkland to cover and kids can be kept entertained by the various attractions, including an adventure playground, bowling green, cricket pitch and a Japanese formal garden. Photo: Gary Longbottom.
3. The Hollies
Situated on the west bank of Meanwood Valley, The Hollies can be accessed via Weetwood Lane or from Meanwood Park, and offers a magical landscape of woodland paths and formal gardens to explore. It is rumored that J.R.R. Tolkein spent time here and used it as inspiration for Middle Earth. Photo: Steven Sutcliffe
4. Meanwood Valley Trail
If you want to enjoy a longer walk, take a wander along this seven mile linear walk which stretches from from Meanwood Valley through to Breary Marsh, next to Golden Acre Park, meandering through pretty woodland along a relatively flat route, fit for all abilities. Photo: Other 3rd Party
5. Bramley Fall Woods
This large woodland area encompasses a trim trail, a playground and playing fields, with the woods backing onto the Leeds Liverpool Canal so visitors can wander down the path alongside the river. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
6. Rodley Nature Reserve
This attractive wetland nature reserve sits just outside of the city centre and offers the chance to spot various wildlife as you make your way around, including kingfishers, tree sparrows and snipe. Photo: Other 3rd Party