This delightful traffic-free route travels from the small town of Garforth just outside Leeds through lovely countryside, passing a nature reserve and an RSPB site, along a river and canal ending at Woodlesford station.
To follow the route:
- Exit Garforth station and follow the White Rose [WYCC] signs until you pick up signs to National Route 697 and The Linesway and join this lovely greenway.
- You soon enter Townclose Hills Nature Reserve (or Billy Wood as it’s known locally) on the edge of Kippax. From the grassland plateau, there are beautiful near-panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Continue along the route to Allerton Bywater, where there is a café if you want to take a break. Turn right at Owl Wood Cottage towards Woodend and continue until you pick up signs to National Route 67, part of the Transpennine Trail.
- Pause for a short detour at Woodend to visit RSPB St Aidans on the banks of the River Aire. The reserve is teeming with wildlife and is home to thousands of birds, brown hares, roe deer and insects - all living in a stunning landscape of vast reedbeds, grassland, woodland, lakes, ponds and islands. This is a great spot for a picnic.
- Continue along the route, cross the River Aire and follow the river, then the canal to Woodlesford, passing Woodlesford Locks.
- From here you can hop on a train from Woodlesford station.
If you want to extend the route, you could continue onto the fantastic Rothwell Country Park.
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Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.
To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water, please ensure you follow the Towpath Code.