Cycling Routes around Leeds
West Yorkshire Cycling Route
Devised in 1985 by the now disbanded West Yorkshire County Council, the West Yorkshire Cycle Route is a 150 mile circular route that roughly follows the West Yorkshire County Boundary. Primarily for leisure cycling, the route is mainly on road and is intended for use by all roadworthy bicycles. The route is signed in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, and is identified by the route logo, a white rose with a green background.
The West Yorkshire Cycle Route has recently been re-established and re-signposted. It is supported by a very attractive laminated map that is available free on request from the contact address below..
Terrain varies greatly from the flat rolling farmlands in the north-east, rising quite steeply to the western sections in the Pennine hills. The route reflects this contrast and each section is graded; easy, moderate or strenuous, according to the steepness of the section. Sections graded easy are predominantly flat and suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Sections graded strenuous include steep climbs that will challenge even fit cyclists.
An excellent guide to the route, including details of points of interest along the way, ancillary routes, accommodation, railway stations etc is available price £4.99 from Gateway to Yorkshire (the tourist information office at Leeds railway station 0113 242 5242) and some bookshops.
West Yorkshire Cycleway by Richard Peace (1995). Published in the Biking Country series by Hillside Publications, 11 Nessfield Grove, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 6NU (ISBN 1 870141 38 5)
(For some reason, the book wrongly describes the route as going from Barwick in Elmet to Aberford. The signed route goes via Garforth and Kippax.)
The Aire Valley Towpath Route
Following the 22km route from Leeds to Saltaire, you will discover a variety of attractions and places of interest.
Starting from Granary Wharf on the edge of the city centre, the towpath takes you on a peaceful route through the bustling city of Leeds. You will pass a number of attractions including Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, the medieval Kirkstall Abbey, Bramley Falls and Apperley Bridge before reaching its destination at the World Heritage Site village of Saltaire.
Information can be viewed online at www.airevalleytowpath.org.uk or you can download a map here or send an S.A.E to the contact address.
Transpennine Trail – Leeds Section
This mostly off road route follows the Aire and Calder Navigation to the south, past the Royal Armouries and Thwaite Mills Industrial Museum, to the nature reserve at Fleet Bridge and on to Wakefield. Information can be viewed online at www.transpenninetrail.org.uk or you can download a map here or send an S.A.E to the contact address.
Wetherby Railway Path
This route follows the disused railway track between Thorpe Arch Trading Estate and Retail Park and Spofforth, passing through farmland and woods, and the market town of Wetherby. Other attractions include Wetherby Racecourse and Spofforth Castle.
Being short and flat, this is a particularly suitable route for young children.
A map can be obtained from the contact address below.
Contact Address
(Please send an A5 size SAE)
Travelwise
The Leonardo Building
2 Rossington Street
Leeds
LS2 8HD