🌳 Nature Walks, Hikes and Parks in Leeds
Discover the best ways to embrace the great outdoors in Leeds and beyond. From scenic walks to beautiful nature reserves, there’s something for every nature lover.
On this page:
👉 Click here to view all of these locations on a Google map
Scenic Walks and Hikes
🌳 Eccup Reservoir Circular
A serene 4 mile circular walk around Eccup Reservoir, featuring stunning water views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
📍 Eccup Reservoir, Leeds LS17 7PL
👉 Eccup Reservoir Circular info
🥾 Dales Way Link
The Dales Way Link provides an excellent starting point for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. The official Link Route starts at Woodhouse Moor and goes by the Meanwood Valley, Eccup Reservoir and over the Otley Chevin.
📍 Start: Woodhouse Moor, Leeds LS2 9LH
👉 Dales Way Link website
🌾 Fulneck Circular Walk
This tranquil 3.7-mile loop near Pudsey combines history and nature, winding through the Fulneck Moravian Settlement, Pudsey Beck and surrounding countryside.
📍 Start: Tong, Bradford, BD4 0RP
👉 Fulneck Circular info
🏞️ Harewood House Grounds
Combine hiking with a touch of elegance by exploring the walking routes around the grounds of the historic Harewood House.
📍 Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
👉 Harewood House website
🏔️ Ilkley Moor
Part of the famous Yorkshire Dales, Ilkley Moor offers breathtaking views, heather-covered landscapes, and trails for all abilities.
📍 Hangingstone Rd, Ilkley LS29 8BT
👉 Ilkley Moor information
🥾 Leeds Country Way
A 62-mile circular trail around Leeds, perfect for long-distance hikers or those looking to explore in shorter sections. It traverses rural areas, woodland paths, and picturesque villages, offering a scenic escape from the city.
📍 Various entry points around Leeds, with one starting at Golden Acre Park
👉 Leeds Country Way info
🚴 Leeds-Liverpool Canal Towpath
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or walk along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, passing through tranquil waterside scenery and historic landmarks.
📍 Start: Granary Wharf, Leeds LS1 4ED
👉 Leeds-Liverpool Canal info
🌳 Meanwood Valley Trail
Known as the green artery of Leeds, this 7-mile trail takes you from the city center to Golden Acre Park, passing through Meanwood Beck and beautiful woodlands. Ideal for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
📍 Starts at Woodhouse Moor then towards Meanwood
👉 Meanwood Valley Trail info
🌄 Otley Chevin Forest Park
This park features challenging trails and incredible vistas overlooking the town of Otley and the surrounding countryside.
📍 Otley, Leeds LS21 3DD
👉 Otley Chevin Forest Park website
🌄 Rawdon Billing
A prominent hill near the village of Rawdon, this spot is popular for panoramic views of Leeds and the surrounding countryside. The short, steep climb is worth the effort for breathtaking scenery and peaceful surroundings.
📍 Rawdon, Leeds LS19 6PR
👉 Rawdon Billing info
🌿 Temple Newsam Estate
Explore the sprawling grounds of the stunning Temple Newsam, featuring landscaped gardens, woodland trails, and a historic house. Perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
📍 Temple Newsam Rd, Leeds LS15 0AE
👉 Temple Newsam website
🚶 Trans Pennine Trail
This coast-to-coast walking, cycling, and horse-riding trail spans the North of England, offering a mix of urban and countryside landscapes. The Leeds section provides an excellent opportunity to explore green spaces and waterways while connecting to the wider network.
📍 Start: Woodlesford Lock, Leeds LS26 8RX
👉 Trans Pennine Trail website
🏛️ Self-Guided Walking Tour
Discover Leeds at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour.
Parks and Green Spaces
🌺 Golden Acre Park
A picturesque park with a stunning lake, flower gardens, cafe and plenty of walking paths. A great spot for birdwatching or a family day out.
📍 Otley Rd, Bramhope, Leeds LS16 8BQ
👉 Golden Acre Park website
🐴 Hope Pastures
A rescue center where families can meet horses, donkeys, and ponies while learning about their care.
📍 Weetwood Ln, Leeds LS16 5PH
👉 Hope Pastures website
🌳 Horsforth Hall Park
This family-friendly park includes a Japanese garden, a playground, skate park, cricket pitch, and plenty of open space for games or relaxing under the sun.
📍 Hall Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5JE
👉 Horsforth Hall Park info
🌼 Kirkstall Abbey and Park
The park surrounding the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey provides a peaceful escape along the River Aire. Ideal for picnics and a bit of history.
📍 Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
👉 Kirkstall Abbey website
🌳 Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve
Nestled along the River Aire, this nature reserve provides a tranquil escape from the city bustle.
📍 Redcote Ln, Leeds LS4 2AL
👉 Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve website
🌳 Meanwood Park
A family-friendly park with open green spaces, woodland trails, and a playground.
📍 Tannery Square, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4LT
👉 Meanwood Park website
🐄 Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
Established in 1980, MVUF is a working city farm and charity close to the city centre where you can visit animals, gardens and flourishing woodland.
📍 Sugar Well Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS7 2QG
👉 Meanwood Valley Urban Farm website
🐦 Rodley Nature Reserve
This nature reserve offers peaceful walks and birdwatching opportunities along the Aire Valley wetlands.
📍 Moss Bridge Rd, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP
👉 Rodley Nature Reserve website
🌳 Roundhay Park and Tropical World
One of the largest city parks in Europe, a relaxing stroll through Roundhay Park offers scenic lake views, open green spaces, and woodland paths. Don't miss the chance to visit Tropical World, featuring exotic plants and animals.
📍 Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HH
👉 Roundhay Park website
🐦 RSPB St. Aidan's Nature Park
A haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, this nature park offers scenic trails through wetland and grassland habitats.
📍 Astley Ln, Leeds LS26 8AL
👉 RSPB St. Aidan's website
Walking and Hiking Social Groups
🥾 Get Out, Get Active
The Get Out Get Active programme is part of the University of Leeds but is open to members of the public. It promotes sociable healthy activities and includes walks all around Yorkshire.
👉 Get Out, Get Active website
🌳 Leeds CHA Rambling and Social Club
A long-established club offering weekly walks in and around Leeds. They cater to a range of abilities and often combine walking with social activities, making it a great way to meet like-minded people.
👉 Leeds CHA Rambling and Social Club website
🏔️ Leeds Mountaineering Club
For those who enjoy the mountains, this club offers a range of adventurous activities, from hill walks to climbing expeditions.
👉 Leeds Mountaineering Club website
🥾 Leeds Ramblers
Part of the national Ramblers organization, this group organizes a variety of walks, from gentle urban rambles to more challenging countryside hikes, perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
👉 Leeds Ramblers website
🌄 Leeds University Union Hiking Club
Open to students and non-students alike, this group organizes walks most weekends, exploring the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and providing a vibrant social scene.
👉 Leeds University Union Hiking Club website
🌄 Take a Hike
Specializing in walks for young adults aged around 20-40, this group offers a variety of hikes ranging from leisurely countryside strolls to challenging treks in the Yorkshire Dales.
👉 Take a Hike website
🌿 Walks in Leeds Group
A community-based Facebook group where members organize informal walks around Leeds and its surrounding areas.
👉 Walks in Leeds Group Facebook Page
🌳 West Yorkshire Hiking Group
A Meetup group for those aged 25-45, offering regular hikes in the stunning countryside of West Yorkshire and beyond. It’s a great way to explore the area and make new friends.
👉 West Yorkshire Hiking Group website
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