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Say hello to the Summer months!

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Summer’s arrived and what better time than to go out walking and cycling during the warmer weather!

When the sun comes out, it’s a great opportunity to head outside and explore the walks, cycling routes and greenspaces right on our doorstep across Leeds.

Not only does choosing sustainable methods such as walking and cycling help us combat climate change, going outdoors and interacting with the natural environment can benefit both your physical and mental health.

Please follow COVID-19 guidelines and wear a mask when you need to so that everyone can enjoy going outdoors and feel safe at the same time.

 

Cycling routes across Leeds

We’ve got some great routes to get you out and about in West Yorkshire.

Don’t forget your safety gear though – lights and helmet are essential, especially if conditions are wet thanks to the rainy British weather!

If you need advice on safe cycling, then visit our Bike Hub or check out CycleScheme’s guidance for all sorts of information and tips on bike maintenance, road safety and support for beginners.

  • Aire Valley Towpath: starting in the centre of Leeds, this route takes you West from Granary Wharf along the banks of the River Aire all the way to Saltaire which is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site Salt’s Mill!
  • National Cycling Route 66: this wonderful, child-friendly ride will take you along the River Aire on mostly traffic-free routes. Heading East, Route 66 takes you to Halton Moor and Aberford, crossing through Temple Newsham.
  • Route 67: With smooth surfaces, gentle slopes and completely traffic-free between Leeds and Mickletown, this route is wonderful for children and beginners. One highlight sees you ride from Wetherby to Spofforth on an old railway track!
  • Cycle Highway to Bradford: a ‘cycle superhighway’ project designed by CityConnect which is mostly segregated from traffic.
  • Urban Bike Park Middleton: a great day out if you feel like going further afield! There are tracks of various difficulties, suitable for all levels, and a very good café for hungry riders!
  • If you feel like an adventure, check out the best routes in Yorkshire. If you’re an experienced cyclist looking for more of a challenge, the Way of the Rosesor the Transpennine Trail might be more up your street!

Check out the Leeds City Council website for more local cycling routes and information on cycling provision in Leeds.

Here are some local Cycling clubs you might want to check out:

 

Running in Leeds

If running is more your pace then there are some great routes and tracks across Leeds for all abilities.

Check out RunLeeds for running hints and tips, to find runners like you and to keep up with the latest news and updates across the city.

Here are some running clubs you could think about joining:

If you’d like to take part in Parkrun, they take place every Saturday morning at 9am. Athough they’re currently suspended due to Covid-19, they are planning to reopen soon so why not scope out the different routes in the meantime?

There are various routes across the city to get involved in:

  • Woodhouse Moor
  • Potternewton
  • Roundhay
  • Armley
  • Bramley
  • Cross Flatts
  • Temple Newsham
  • Middleton Woods
  • Rothwell
  • Chevin Forest

 

Other local sports clubs in Leeds

Hockey, football, rugby and even canoeing and triathlon clubs – something for everyone…

Check out Nicole’s blog on Active Travel after Lockdown for some great walks in and around Leeds’ greenspaces. Plus, you can learn about the benefits that active travel can have on your carbon footprint.

If you’re looking for other activities over summer, check out the free events and activities going on across campus here.

 

Keep up to date on the latest news

 

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. Our work on being active in Leeds is linked to the following SDGs:

      • Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
      • Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
      • Goal 13: Climate Action
      • Goal 15: Life on Land

Find out more about our impact on the SDGs.