Saturday 16th July 2011 Family friendly bike ride along the Canal from Leeds to Woodlesford.
Meet in the Netto’s carpark on Kirkstall Road, LS4 2EZ, at 10am to start at 10.15am or meet at the back entrance of Leeds train station, outside Wetherspoons at 10.30am to set off a little after.
We will be cycling to Woodlesford then either getting the train back to Leeds train station (£1.75 adult, 90p child, every hour, journey time 15 minutes) or cycling back the way we came.
Bring a packed lunch if you would like to eat together at Woodlesford by the canal before the return journey.
Distances and estimated time – 9 miles / 1.5-2 hours from Kirkstall or 6.5 miles / 1-1.5 hours from the train station.
Please note there are no public toilets along the canal. There are several pubs in Woodlesford that we might be able to use if necessary.
This ride goes alongside the canal. Almost all of this lovely ride is off-road along the flat and well maintained canal path. There is a short section through the city centre which uses quiet roads and toucan crossings, and another short section further along in Hunslet where the pavement can be used. However this is a very pleasant, scenic journey along the Trans Penine Trail and national cycle routes 66 and 67. The route starts on the Leeds Liverpool canal by the Aire Valley Marina with a multitude of different coloured boats. We will cycle along the Aire Valley Towpath, through Armley into the city centre. Here you can see a familiar city from a different view than perhaps you usually would, with new and old water-side buildings and a surprising sense of tranquility. The Leeds Liverpool canal then joins the Aire and Calder Navigation. We will cycle through Clarence Dock right by the Royal Armouries and along to Thwaite Mills, a fully working restored water-powered mill. We will then cycle along with the River Aire to one side and the canal to our other, under the M1(!), alongside Rothwell country park and finally into the village of Woodlesford.
Please ensure that all children keep away from the very edge of the path. LCAS can’t be held responsible for accidents. Disclaimer: All entrants ride at their own risk. LCAS cannot accept responsibility for personal injury, loss or damage to cycles and equipment, loss of personal effects or any public liability. You are reminded taht you are cycling on the public highway and must therefore observe the Highway Code.
