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.
7. Hawksworth Wood Circular
Extending over six miles around North West Leeds, this circular walk first travels through Hawksworth Wood by Kirkstall Abbey, before following the path alongside the River Aire to Newlay Bridge. Follow the Leeds Liverpool Canal towpath towards Calverley Bridge, before heading back through Hunger Hills, Haigh Wood and Oil Mill Beck. Photo: James Hardisty
8. Temple Newsam
Boasting 1,500 acres of land, including open grassland, woodland, a walled garden and lakeside paths, Temple Newsam provides a vast outdoor landscape to enjoy. Photo: Gary Longbottom
9. Trans Pennine Trail
If you want to take on a more extensive walk, this long-distance route passes by rivers, canals and through historic towns and cities in the North of England. The Garforth to Woodlesford section is a particularly scenic part of the trail, offering countryside views. Photo: Steve Ellis
10. Tong and Fulneck Circular
This five mile circular route straddles the boundary of Leeds and Bradford, travelling from Tong Hall along the bridleways of Pudsey Beck and Tyersal Beck, before looping back through Black Carr Woods. Photo: Roger Ratcliffe
11. Rothwell Country Park
Providing a peaceful spot away from the centre of Leeds, this 2.8 mile circular loop is a popular haunt among walkers and runners, and is well suited for families with little ones as it is relatively short and flat. Photo: Mick Kale
12. Chevin Forest Country Park
Walkers can enjoy spectacular views across the market town of Otley from this beautiful park, which boasts a large park network of woodland paths and panoramic views of the Wharfe Valley. Photo: James Hardisty