Leeds nostalgia: Ken ready for new season of guided walks

Veteran Leeds tour guide Ken Goor launches a new series of walks this month, taking in all things historical about our fine city and the outlying towns. New this year is his '˜Otley and Thomas Chippendale' tour, making 300 years since the birth of the nation's most famous carpenter.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Apr 2018, 08:03 BST
ll
l

Ken, 67, recalled how he became a tour guide: “After a training course for tourist guides starting in January 1985, run by Leeds Leisure Services, my first walk was from Leeds to Rodley by towpath on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. One little Irish lady turned up with a bag full of shopping. As we arrived at Kirkstall she said, ‘Can I go home now,? My feet are killing me.’ This was a hot sunny day in July 1985. So will be 33 years this July.”

During that time he has given private tours for delegates from the Czech Republic when Leeds was twinned with Brno and also the Mayor of Louiseville, Kentucky.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ken said: “The furthest away a customer has travelled would be The Chinese Ambassador and members of the Chinese government who were in Leeds for a twinning ceremony. Leeds is twinned with Hang Zhou. I did a walk for the Ambassador’s party and one for the Mayor’s Party.

ll
l

“I still get a kick out of meeting new people and showing some what they have lived near all their lives but not noticed.”

All walks start from outside McDonalds, Leeds Railway Station, unless otherwise stated. Stout footwear required. Adults £5, accompanied children free (unless otherwise stated).

Walks begin on Tuesday April 17: Dirty Old Town. (atrocities of the industrial revolution). Duration: 2 hours. Starts 7.30 pm.

For a full list, search ‘Ken Goor’ and ‘YEP’ online.

ll
l

(W) indicates stout footwear required.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sat 21st April. The university of Leeds. Duration: 2.5 hours. Starts 10 am.

Tues 1st May. Pubs and Yards of Leeds. Duration: 2.5 hours. Starts 7.30 pm.

Sat 5th May. Markets and Arcades of Leeds. Duration: 2.75 hours. Starts 10 am.

Tues 15th May. Riverside and Holbeck. Duration: 2 hours. Starts 7.30 pm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sun 20th May. York around the walls. Meet inside station bar, York Railway Station. Duration: 6 hours. Starts 10.30 am. £8.

Thurs 31st May. East Ender and Mabgate. Meet at Corn Exchange. Duration: 2 hours. Starts 7 pm.

Sat 2nd June. Otley and Thomas Chippendale. Meet at Market Clock. Duration: 2 hours. Starts 11 am.

Sat 9th June. Drighlington to Tong. Meet Spotted Cow car park. Duration: 2 hours. Starts 11 am. (W)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tues 19th June. Morley Through the Ages. Meet at Windsor Court, side of Town Hall. Duration: 2 hours. Starts 7.30 pm.

Sun 1st July. Robin Hood, Brontës and Luddites. Meet in car park, Miller & Carter Steak House, (formerly Three Nuns).

Duration: 2 hours. Starts 10 am. (W)

Tues 3rd July. Birstall. Meet at Priestley’s Statue, Market Place. Duration: 2 hours. Starts 7 pm. (W)

Tues 17th July. Drighlington & Battle of Adwalton Moor. Meet at Spotted Cow car park. Duration: 1.75 hours. Starts 7 pm. (W)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sun 22nd July. Leeds to Kirkstall Abbey by towpath. Duration: 3.25 hours. Starts 10 am.

Tues 31st July. Upper Batley and Batley park. Meet inside park, between Lake and Bowling Green. Duration: 2 hours. Starts 7 pm.

NOW AVAILABLE Books by Ken Goor “Haunted Leeds” Price £8.99. Also “Our Father who art in Heaven (or maybe not)” Price £5.99. p&p £1.30 extra each. PRIVATE PARTIES CATERED FOR general city introductions and guiding service for coach tours around the UK. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS “The Full Bronte” a full day by coach covering sites relating to the Bronte family between Leeds, Dewsbury and Haworth. PERSONS PARTICIPATING DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK

Related topics:LeedsOtleyMayor