Did your kids get the cycling bug from this weekend’s Tour de Yorkshire? If so, why not try one of these child friendly cycle rides around Leeds together. There are several relatively flat routes, taking in some beautiful scenery, suitable for children of all abilities. Some are even good spots to help teach your child how to ride their bike, if you’re still at that stage.
One for the younger riders – This route provides a wonderful opportunity to explore parts of the longest canal in Britain.
Photo from www.sustrans.org.uk
Route Details
Route Description
Beautiful countryside, rich industrial history, stunning scenery, galleries, shops, museums and the longest canal in the country.
The route has smooth surfaces, with the occassional rough piece off track along the length of the route. There are gentle gradients, with a couple of short steep sections at each canal lock. You can cycle as much or as little of the canal as you like and will find the route ideal if you want an easy day’s pedalling. Please note, there are no barriers along the waters edge, so this is not suitable for very inexperienced riders.
The Aire Valley Towpath route encompasses both vibrant urban areas and beautiful countryside, taking you on a peaceful journey through Leeds and out past Kirkstall Abbey, Bramley Fall, Rodley, Calverley Woods, Apperley Bridge, Buck Wood at Thackley, Shipley, Hirst Wood, Dowley Gap and the Three and Five Rise Locks at Bingley.
Route gpx download – This route is available as a gpx download that is compatible with all major gps devices at Aire Valley Towpath.gpx
The Wykebeck Way is a well-signed route that uses quiet roads, cycle tracks and parkland paths through the Wyke Beck Valley.
Photo from Welcome to Yorkshire
Route Details
Route Description
This route connects two of Leeds’ finest attractions, Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam. Cycle quiet roads, cycle tracks and parkland paths. Take in the wildlife at Roundhay Park, explore lakes, woodland, formal gardens and playgrounds. From there the route winds through the ancient woodland of Wykebeck woods and the meadows of Killingbeck Fields. Keep an eye out for Red Kites overhead. Enjoy the green spaces of Primrose Valley Park and Halton Moor, cross the golf course to arrive at one of England’s great historic estates – Temple Newsam.
There are plenty of cafes and shops for a pit stop en route!
One for the younger riders – This delightful traffic-free route travels from Garforth, through lovely countryside, passing a nature reserve and an RSPB site, along a river and canal ending at Woodlesford station.
Photo from www.sustrans.org.uk
Route Details
Route Description
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’ll be rewarded with the beautiful Townclose Hills Nature Reserve (or Billy Wood as it’s known locally) on the edge of Kippax. From here there are beautiful near-panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Continue along the route to Allerton Bywater, turn right at Owl Wood Cottage towards Woodend and continue until you pick up signs to National Route 67, part of the Transpennine Trail. For a short detour at Woodend, visit RSPB St Aidans on the banks of the River Aire. The reserve is home to thousands of birds, brown hares, roe deer and insects- the perfect spot for a picnic! Cross the River Aire and follow the river, join the canal and follow it to Woodlesford passing the Locks! You can then get a train home from Woodlesford Station or return home on your bike!
Map
Download the free map here
One for the more experienced child cyclist – This dramatic ride takes you east from the bustling market town of Skipton with its impressive Castle and regular outdoor market, along quiet lanes through beautiful countryside, ending at the magnificent ruins of Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales. Please note that there are some hills on the route.
Photo from www.skiptoncastle.co.uk
Route Details
Route Description
Start at Skipton Station, turn right, follow the main street to the top of the town, follow the route and enter the village of Embsay and pass its historic steam railway. Follow signs to Bolton Abbey along quiet country lanes with scenic views all the way. Take a pit stop at one of the local tourist attractions including Billy Bobs (Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream Farm), Hesketh Farm Park, and, of course, Bolton Abbey Estate itself with magnificent ruins, stunning natural setting, river walks, stepping stones, cafes and picnic spots and the Abbey and the River Wharfe Valley passing through the famous Strid Gorge. Retrace the route back to Skipton or return using the Steam Railway! Cycle along the bridleway opposite the Devonshire Arms leading to Bolton Abbey Station. Part of the route can then be covered by train to Embsay Station and by bike from Embsay to Skipton. Bikes are welcome on the train.
Map
Download the free map here
This route connects Bilton, North Harrogate, and Knaresborough with Ripley on a fantastic 4 mile converted railway line. There are currently unsigned on-road connections between Ripley and the Way of the Roses cycle route to the North and the stunning Yorkshire Dales to the west.
Photo from www.sustrans.org.uk
Route Details
Route Description
The former railway line, known as the Nidderdale Greenway, this route crosses the Grade 2 listed, seven-arch Nidd Gorge Viaduct and a new safe crossing of the A61 near Ripley. The Greenway also links into the existing cycle network which takes you to Knaresborough, Starbeck and Harrogate.
From Knaresborough, Starbeck and Harrogate the route provides a wonderful gateway to various fantastic National Trust sites to the North. Brimham Rocks, the spectacular Fountains Abbey and Studley Park are all within a 15-mile cycle ride.
Map
Download the free map here
If your child is just learning to ride their bike and you’d like somewhere for them to practice, we recommend sticking to one of the local parks in South Leeds with good, flat, paved paths.
They could also try one of the Pay and Pedal sessions at the Brownlee Centre And Cycling Circuit which provides a safe, private circuit for them to practice on. Or if they’d like to try BMX riding, then a lesson at The Works Skatepark to teach them to use the park and equipment safely.
If you have a favourite family cycle ride that isn’t listed here, why not join the South Leeds Mumbler Chat Group and share it with us there.
