Leeds

Exploring the Best Running Routes in Leeds: An In-Depth Guide

Leeds, a vibrant city in West Yorkshire, England, offers a diverse range of running routes that cater to all fitness levels and preferences. Whether you enjoy urban landscapes, lush parks, or scenic countryside, Leeds has something to offer. This guide highlights the best running routes in Leeds, providing detailed descriptions and insights to help you make the most of your running experience.

1. Roundhay Park

Overview

Roundhay Park is one of the largest city parks in Europe, spanning over 700 acres. It offers a variety of landscapes, including lakes, woodlands, and open parkland, making it a favorite among local runners.

Route Highlights

  • Distance: 3 to 5 miles
  • Terrain: Mix of paved paths and trails
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Route Description

Start your run at the Upper Lake and follow the path around Waterloo Lake, a scenic 2.5-mile loop. For a longer run, explore the woodland trails or extend your route to include Soldiers Field. The park’s diverse terrain provides an excellent opportunity for both steady-paced runs and interval training.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: The park has several car parks, toilets, and cafes.
  • Best Time to Run: Early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds.
  • Safety: Well-lit paths make it safe for early morning or evening runs.

2. Meanwood Valley Trail

Overview

The Meanwood Valley Trail offers a picturesque escape from the city, stretching from Woodhouse Moor to Golden Acre Park. This route provides a mix of urban and rural landscapes.

Route Highlights

  • Distance: 7 miles
  • Terrain: Mostly trails, some paved sections
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Route Description

Begin at Woodhouse Moor and follow the trail north through Meanwood Park and Adel Woods, finishing at Golden Acre Park. The trail features woodland, streams, and open fields, offering a varied and scenic running experience.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: Limited facilities along the trail; carry water and snacks.
  • Best Time to Run: Mid-morning to early afternoon.
  • Safety: Trail can be muddy after rain; wear appropriate footwear.

3. Leeds-Liverpool Canal

Overview

Running along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal offers a flat, scenic route ideal for long-distance training. The canal path stretches over 100 miles, but even short sections provide a tranquil running experience.

Route Highlights

  • Distance: Variable (5 to 20+ miles)
  • Terrain: Flat, paved, and gravel paths
  • Difficulty: Easy

Route Description

Start at Granary Wharf in the city center and head west towards Kirkstall Abbey or further to Rodley. The path is flat and well-maintained, passing through picturesque locks, historic sites, and peaceful countryside.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: Cafes and toilets at various points along the route.
  • Best Time to Run: Anytime, but mornings are particularly peaceful.
  • Safety: Be cautious of cyclists and uneven surfaces.

4. Temple Newsam

Overview

Temple Newsam is a historic estate with over 1,500 acres of parkland, woodlands, and gardens. It offers a variety of running routes with stunning views of the mansion and surrounding countryside.

Route Highlights

  • Distance: 3 to 10 miles
  • Terrain: Mixed terrain with hills and flat sections
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Route Description

Start at the car park and explore the circular paths around the estate. For a longer run, venture into the surrounding woodlands and farmland. The route includes both flat sections and challenging hills, making it ideal for varied training.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: Car parks, toilets, and a cafe at the mansion.
  • Best Time to Run: Early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds.
  • Safety: Well-marked paths; be cautious on hilly sections.

5. The University of Leeds Loop

Overview

The University of Leeds campus offers a compact but varied running route through its scenic grounds. It’s perfect for shorter runs or interval training sessions.

Route Highlights

  • Distance: 2 to 4 miles
  • Terrain: Paved paths with some inclines
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Route Description

Start at the Parkinson Building and follow a loop around the campus, incorporating the tree-lined paths of St. George’s Field and the landscaped areas of the main campus. The route provides a mix of gentle inclines and flat sections.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: Toilets and water fountains on campus.
  • Best Time to Run: Early mornings or evenings when the campus is quieter.
  • Safety: Well-lit and safe for evening runs.

6. Eccup Reservoir

Overview

Eccup Reservoir offers a peaceful and scenic running route around one of Leeds’ largest bodies of water. The route combines rural tranquility with beautiful views.

Route Highlights

  • Distance: 5 to 7 miles
  • Terrain: Gravel paths and trails
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Route Description

Begin at the Golden Acre Park car park and follow the trail to the reservoir. The loop around the reservoir offers stunning views of the water and surrounding countryside. The route is mostly flat but includes some gentle undulations.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: Limited facilities; bring water and snacks.
  • Best Time to Run: Early morning or late afternoon.
  • Safety: Trails can be uneven; wear suitable footwear.

7. Harewood House

Overview

Harewood House, a stately home with extensive grounds, offers a variety of scenic running routes. The estate’s mix of woodland, parkland, and formal gardens provides a diverse running experience.

Route Highlights

  • Distance: 3 to 8 miles
  • Terrain: Mixed terrain with hills and flat sections
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Route Description

Start at the main car park and follow the marked trails through the estate. Highlights include the Bird Garden, the lake, and the walled garden. The routes offer a mix of flat and hilly sections, making it suitable for varied training.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: Car parks, toilets, and a cafe at the house.
  • Best Time to Run: Weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
  • Safety: Well-marked trails; be cautious on hilly sections.

8. Woodhouse Moor and Hyde Park

Overview

Woodhouse Moor, also known as Hyde Park, is a popular running spot close to the city center. The park offers a straightforward route ideal for short to mid-distance runs.

Route Highlights

  • Distance: 1 to 3 miles
  • Terrain: Flat, paved paths
  • Difficulty: Easy

Route Description

Start at the main entrance on Woodhouse Lane and follow the perimeter paths around the park. For a longer run, incorporate multiple laps or extend your route to nearby areas such as the University of Leeds campus.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: Toilets and cafes nearby.
  • Best Time to Run: Mornings or late afternoons.
  • Safety: Well-lit paths; safe for early morning or evening runs.

9. Middleton Park

Overview

Middleton Park offers a diverse range of running routes through its ancient woodlands, grasslands, and parkland. It’s a great location for both short and long-distance runs.

Route Highlights

  • Distance: 2 to 6 miles
  • Terrain: Mixed terrain with trails and paved paths
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Route Description

Start at the visitor center and explore the various trails that wind through the park. Highlights include the central lake, the ancient woodlands, and the scenic meadow areas. The varied terrain makes it an excellent spot for a dynamic running experience.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: Visitor center, car park, and toilets.
  • Best Time to Run: Any time; weekends are popular with families.
  • Safety: Trails can be uneven; wear appropriate footwear.

10. Otley Chevin Forest Park

Overview

Otley Chevin Forest Park, located on the outskirts of Leeds, offers challenging trails with stunning views of the Wharfe Valley. It’s perfect for those looking for a more rugged running experience.

Route Highlights

  • Distance: 3 to 7 miles
  • Terrain: Hilly, forest trails
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Route Description

Begin at the Surprise View car park and follow the trails that wind through the forest. The routes include steep climbs, descents, and spectacular viewpoints. The varied and challenging terrain makes it ideal for hill training and trail running.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: Car park and toilets at Surprise View.
  • Best Time to Run: Mornings for the best views and quieter trails.
  • Safety: Trails are rugged; suitable footwear and caution are advised.

Conclusion

Leeds offers a wealth of running routes that cater to all types of runners, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Whether you prefer the tranquility of parks and reservoirs or the rugged challenge of forest trails, Leeds has something to offer. Each route provides unique landscapes and experiences, making running in this vibrant city a rewarding and enjoyable activity. So lace up your running shoes, explore these routes, and discover the beauty and diversity that Leeds has to offer.