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Looking for some local Leeds knowledge. I've got 3 hours kicking around Headingley tomorrow afternoon while I wait for the wife. Rather than head into the city, I'd prefer to find a 10-15 mile route that isn't going to be a mud fest after the rain we've just had. Doesn't have to be hardcore trails, just a nice off tarmac route.
The shorter the drive the better.
Any suggestions? Ta
Urban bike park in Middleton. Not 15 miles, but enough to entertain for an afternoon plus there’s a cafe.
Or Meanwood valley trails?
Username implies knowledge of trails a half hour drive north? From headingley you could ride the meanwood valley trail out to the chevin and back (bit of road, bridleways are there on the map) . Used to be my occasional commute on a crossbike out to ilkley, wouldn't want to oversell it. I'm sure someone with more knowledge will be along to give routes out along the canal (dog walker central) to Esholt woods, and out to the stuff round Shipley. Or car to the Washburn
I'm just outside Skipton so have done most of the Dales, Ilkley area. Never ventured any closer to Leeds though. Had maybe though out towards Harewood, Wetherby but don't know the area that well.
Meanwood trail will be absolutely horrific in this weather. Avoid.
On the guess that your dropping your partner off somewhere in the car - nip straight across town and go to the bike park. In this weather, and with that amount of time, its perfect, short little all weather loopa to play around on.
Gravel options will be better after the rain TBH.
From headingley, the best option for mud avoidance and for relatively easy nav would be
1) out to pool on the road via a660 and then creskeld lane
2) leathley
3) down the side of lindley wood rear on the footpath
4) up the first bit of Norwood edge, turn left to follow high above river Washburn
5) over the Washburn at dob park bridge then up the other side
6) Clifton. Down the track towards Weston park
7) Otley
8) Up through chevin forest
9) pop out by the Subaru garage at the top of pool bank
10) A660 back to headingley.
There will be very wet bits, but that's pretty close to my usual winter gravel leg stretcher.
Pm me if you want it plotting as a gpx etc
Sorry just read the 10-15 mile bit!
That route above is a lot longer
Lap of eccup and harewood BWs can be done without too much mud and is about that length. Again let me know fo you want something plotting out.
Bike park is 'ok'
Bits of stainburn will also be ok if you want something technical /steep
Swinsty Res trails? Norwood/Stainburn? Some decent stuff around Esholt I believe too?
The retrobike.co.uk lads do a regular ride around the Rothwell area too which might be worth digging out?
i have a 17 mile route starting in Rothwell. all on bike paths and bw's. i ride it on the tourer.
https://www.strava.com/activities/10012887569
A couple of top tips then...
1. You can avoid riding down some of the a61 by taking the permissive track parallel to it. This is the track south from harewood gates. Start is tricky to find if heading south. Basically as you are stood facing the main grand gate, about 100m to the left there is a small pedestrian garden gate you can go through.
2. Both BWs south of stub farm towards Eccup Res will be muddy. A better way is to take the track between stub farm and weardley.