Soothe your soul & get your steps in with the best walks in Leeds!
Nothing sorts the head like a classic ramble.
City grind got you knackered? A lazy woodland or lakeside wander might revive your spirit.
Need a route to bond with the family? You can take the sprogs to a reservoir trail rich in birdsong.
You get the gist. Now, you’ll get the details—specifically the lowdown on the Leeds’ best walks, road-tested by our lot.
Eccup Reservoir
– From andrewedwardsleeds
Address: Eccup Reservoir
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Length: 7.2 km
Estimated Time: 1 hr and 53 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 178 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 24 mins (10 km)
‘Lush and laid-back’ sum up the Eccup Reservoir trail. The loop is well-defined, woodlands give it ample shade, and over 150 bird species flock by the waters, particularly goosander, mallard, and wintering wildfowl.
On a good day, you might even spot the red kite, a forked-tailed and reddish-brown bird saved by the UK from extinction. If you see one, don’t stray from the path or viewing platform; it’s there to safeguard the said bird.
Tip: You can bring dogs, but make sure they’re properly leashed. Don’t forget your doggy bags, too.
Roundhay Park
– From cbluefinch
Address: Mansion Ln, Roundhay
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Length: 4.8 km
Estimated Time: 1 hr and 19 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 133 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 6 mins (3 km)
We had a walk through time at the leafy Roundhay Park. Its 700 acres of woodlands were the primary backdrop throughout the stroll, and the views really turned from great to postcard-worthy once we hit Waterloo Lake.
The ‘walk through time’ part was all thanks to George Nettleton’s 19th-century folly, which looks like a castle’s grand gate. We found it by the wildflower meadows, a grassy and flowery section that’s a habitat for butterflies!
Tip: Waterloo Lake is open for fishing with only the boating area as an exception.
Temple Newsam and Skelton Lake Trail
– From sophie.c_boswell
Address: Temple Newsam
Operating Hours: Tue to Sun – 10 am to 5 pm
Length: 8.5 km
Estimated Time: 2 hrs and 12 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 199 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 21 mins (8.9 km)
‘Picturesque’ was the first word we uttered at the Temple Newsam and Skelton Lake Trail. No exaggeration there, as the route had us passing through gardens, Skelton Lake, and woodlands, specifically about 1,500 acres of trees.
The area’s openness also meant we could wander almost anywhere. Winter, though, might be a different story as the lake gets icy.
When it comes to the highlight, we’re a bunch of architecture and history buffs, so we spent the walk gushing over the Temple Newsam, a Tudor-Jacobean country manor.
Tip: Wear appropriate footwear if you’re visiting post-rain. This walk gets muddy.
Hawksworth Wood
– From woodrupcycles
Address: Hawksworth Wood
Length: 5.1 km
Estimated Time: 1 hr and 21 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 125 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 19 mins (7.1 km)
River Aire was our chief guide along the Hawksworth Wood route, so you know it was an amble that breathed life. The sun wasn’t a bother thanks to the healthy trees, wildflowers bloomed along the path, and a few roe deer and kingfishers popped up.
There was also a ruined Cistercian monastery that threw a slice of architecture and history onto the path. Fun fact: this 1152-founded structure outlived 52 British monarchs!
What’s more, the trail has Abbey Inn. The intimate pub solved our hunger pangs and thirst with its burgers and dark ale.
Tip: If you’re interested in helping to preserve this spot, drop a message at the Friends of Hawksworth Wood’s Facebook page.
Meanwood Valley Trail
– From howard_silverman
Address: Meanwood
Length: 6.9 km
Estimated Time: 2 hrs and 14 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 290 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 21 mins (7.7 km)
They don’t call Meanwood Valley ‘a green artery’ just to hype it up. Woodlands, meadows, heaths, ponds—a saunter here promises such scenery, along with the occasional squirrels zipping around.
Once you’re done with the walk, you can stop by Meanwood Park, left of Meanwood Beck. Part grassland, part woodland, there are loads of things to do there, like picnics, paddling on the waters, and even shooting hoops or smashing tennis balls.
Tip: You can also park at Meanwood Park. Space usually isn’t an issue, but we still suggest stopping by early.
Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve
– From lindzibean
Address: RSPB Fairburn Ings Visitor Centre, Newton Ln
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 8 pm
Length: 7.9 km
Estimated Time: 1 hr and 55 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 151 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 23 mins (16.6 km)
Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve has some of the UK’s most elusive birds, including spoonbills, little egrets, and Cetti’s warblers. To top it off, these birds are present year-round. Just be warned that a post-rain stroll here can get pretty slippery.
Aside from the birdlife, the area also changes scenery and isn’t too taxing for novices. Woodlands, lagoons, and grasslands are all part of the trail, while the inclines are kind to those who’d rather stroll than hike.
Tip: Hats or ear-warmers are a must. This is a windy trail.
Rothwell Country Park
– From happiness_is_a_warm_gun_
Address: Bullough Ln, Rothwell Colliery, Woodlesford
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Length: 6.6 km
Estimated Time: 1 hr and 41 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 152 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 25 mins (13.5 km)
Once a post-industrial wasteland, Rothwell Country Park now reconnects families with natural landscapes sans the long haul and harsh wilderness. Off-peak, it’s dead chill here, though you won’t be alone with all the birds and butterflies around.
If sculptures are up your street, this trail has them, too, mainly stone and dome figures.
As for the dominating scenery, it’s woodlands and ponds galore. A former railway line and Rothwell Castle’s ruins also add bits of the past to the walk.
Tip: Consider a springtime visit if you want to walk among wildflowers.
Stoodley Pike
– From ratcliffe_d
Address: Stoodley Pike
Length: 10.5 km
Estimated Time: 2 hrs and 55 mins
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 310 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 1 hr and 14 mins (67.8 km)
Starting Point:
With a 37-metre monument marking the Napoleonic Wars’ final days, Stoodley Pike is a goldmine for history stans. Sure, the climb is a slog due to the elevation, but you won’t regret busting your legs or lungs for it.
Why? Well, beyond the historical significance, the panoramas are mint. For instance, Calderdale’s moors and hills are yours to admire at the summit.
The journey up isn’t too shabby, either, especially with Hebden Bridge pulling you in with its Grade II-listed picture house and old-world pubs.
Tip: Waterproof and warming clothing are a must, as the weather here can change at a second’s notice.
Rombalds Moor
– From haweatherhead
Address: Ilkley Moor
Length: 8.2 km
Estimated Time: 2 hr and 26 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 281 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 1 hr and 1 min (30 km)
Rock formations run the show at Rombalds Moor, and the most talked about is probably The Cow and Calf. They’re a series of millstone-grit giants you can climb on to soak in Wharfedale Valley’s finest, such as views of Ilkley and the North York Moors.
You’ll also spot the circle of the Twelve Apostles here, said to be a prehistoric formation. If that’s not enough to convince you, the picnic-worthy Doubler Stone might.
Tip: This one gets tricky in winter, so we recommend taking it during a different season.
Beamsley Beacon
– From lifeandtimesofayorkshirelad
Address: Beamsley Yorkshire Dales National Park
Length: 13.5 km
Estimated Time: 3 hrs and 46 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 395 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 1 hr and 36 mins (34.6 km)
The walk to Beamsley Beacon rewards those who put the legwork in. For starters, Lower Wharfedale unfolds once you get to Trig Point, treating hikers to a melange of greenery and rocky outcrops.
There’s just as much happening below, like passing through wildlife-rich tarns and moorlands. Heading back even leads to a beautifully circular stone almshouse, the 1593-founded Beamsley Hospital.
Tip: You can park near the Beacon Bill House.
Ogden Reservoir Country Park
– From muddy_boots_fell_walker
Address: Ogden Water Country Park
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Length: 5 km
Estimated Time: 1 hr and 28 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 168 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 48 mins (31.1 km)
At Ogden Reservoir Country Park, our crew strolled lazily by glassy waters and flourishing trees. Several streams also wound through the moorland hills section, where grouse and snipe sweetened the laid-back vibe with their chirps.
In addition, the pathways are mostly flat and wide, so our little ones didn’t have a horrible wander. Leashed pups are welcome, too, but make sure they won’t wreak havoc, as lots of critters and folks unwind here.
Tip: Bring food, and have a picnic before or after your walk. There are picnic tables around, making picnic blankets optional.
Castle Hill Circular
– From rockingwalker
Address: Castle Hill Side, Huddersfield
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Length: 1.8 km
Estimated Time: 31 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 59 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 1 hr and 7 mins (32.9 km)
Castle Hill Circular gave us our medieval fix—minus the plagues and the miserable wading through wet earth. Yes, we encountered some ups and downs, but overall, the terrain was nice and even.
However, the trail’s smoothness is merely a bonus, as it was the ‘time warp’ that made us score the loop highly. We’re talking about spotting a deserted medieval town, two forts thought to date from the Iron Age, and the highlight, a 12th-century motte-and-bailey castle!
Tip: Drones are allowed. If you have one, take it with you, as the aerial views here are magnificent.
Thorner Moor and Hetchell Wood Circular
– From walks_in_yorkshire
Address: Hetchell Wood, Wethersby
Length: 13.4 km
Estimated Time: 3 hrs and 22 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 290 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 31 mins (15.1 km)
For us, Thorner Moor and Hetchell Wood Circular sets the gold standard for countryside rambles. It’s quieter than most entries without feeling too empty or dull, courtesy of the paths leading to varied landscapes, like open moorlands and woodlands.
More wonders appear the further you go—roe deer lurking in the brush, black caps belting melodies, red kites soaring high—you get the point. The final stretch even holds the Pompocali Earthworks, ancient earthworkings said to be built by Romans!
Tip: Boots are non-negotiable, and you have the walk’s bogginess to thank for that.
Trans Pennine Trail
– From transpenninetrail
Address: Trans Pennine Trail
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Length: 94.5 km
Estimated Time: 10-14 days
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 1,399 m
Type: Point-to-point
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 48 mins (50.3 km)
Only superhumans could conquer the Trans Pennine Trail’s entirety. That means you won’t be shaded for opting for a shorter, more manageable walk.
One route we recommend is the trail kicking off at Royal Armouries. The 3-km stretch runs along River Aire and Aire-Calder Navigation, then Mickletown. There’s an old mineral railway and, finally, the Wakefield District.
Tip: Get the map to carefully plan stopovers, especially if you want to complete the entire thing.
Fulneck Loop
– From hanthomdad.photos
Address: Fulneck
Length: 7.9 km
Estimated Time: 2 hrs and 16 mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 249 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 24 mins (11.1 km)
Rural life thrives on the Fulneck Loop. Between Leeds and Bradford, this easy-going trail had us walking past Pusey Beck Valley’s meadows and birds, with neat bridleways and country lanes keeping things straightforward.
We also found one of Leed’s most important structures here—the Grade 1 listed chapel of the Fulneck Moravian Community. The community has been in Yorkshire since the 1700s, so a pit stop was pretty much a no-brainer.
Tip: Best not to visit during wetter months when the water levels rise, resulting in some areas being impassable.
Oakwell Hall Country Park
– From sadinnewell18
Address: Nova Ln, Birstall, Batley
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Length: 3.1 km
Estimated Time: 50 mins
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 84 m
Type: Circular
Drive from the Leeds CBD: 24 mins (13.5 km)
We’re not that dense to resist Oakwell Hall Country Park’s 100 acres of golden-hued and uncomplicated countryside. In fact, our kids and big kids are hooked on its nature trail, which is among this list’s most stress-free paths.
Yellow oakleaf waymarkers are posted throughout the walk and a canopy of trees keeps jaunts cool. Moreover, visitors of all levels will rarely have an issue completing it—even those with pushchairs!
It doesn’t fall short of eye candy, either. Our last three visits alone brimmed with redwings, fieldfares, bullfinches, and flowers!
Tip: Being a fam-favourite, this walk can get packed. If you’re free, weekdays offer a quieter experience.