Right then, if you’re anything like me, one of the best ways to get to know a city–or even just to see your city in a new light–is by lacing up your boots and hitting the pavement, or the towpath, or the park trail! I’m Ben Mitchell, and I’ve spent a good chunk of time exploring Leeds on foot. Let me tell you, this city is packed with brilliant walks that offer up a fantastic mix of stunning scenery and fascinating glimpses into its rich past. You don’t need any fancy gear, just a comfy pair of shoes and a bit of curiosity. So, come with me, and let’s discover some of my favourite scenic and historic walks around Leeds.
Strolling Through History Along the Leeds Waterfront and Canal
One of my absolute go-to walks, and one I always recommend to people, is along the Leeds Waterfront and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Starting down near Granary Wharf, with all those cool converted warehouses and the buzz from the bars and restaurants, you really get a sense of how this area has transformed. As you head along the towpath, you’re literally walking through history. You’ll see old locks that were once bustling with industrial traffic, beautifully restored warehouses standing proud, and new, striking architecture that shows how Leeds keeps evolving.
I love how peaceful it can be, even though you’re so close to the city centre. Watching the narrowboats glide by, spotting the wildlife (I’ve seen kingfishers along here!), and just taking in the reflections on the water – it’s a proper escape. You can walk for miles if you fancy it, heading out towards Kirkstall or even further, or just enjoy a shorter loop taking in Brewery Wharf and a bit of the River Aire. It’s a walk that constantly changes, offering different views and points of interest around every bend. I always find myself imagining what it must have been like in its industrial heyday.
A Journey Through Time: The Meanwood Valley Trail
For a walk that feels like a proper adventure without having to leave the city, the Meanwood Valley Trail is an absolute gem. This trail stretches for about seven miles, linking Woodhouse Moor to Golden Acre Park, but you can easily dip in and out of different sections. What I love about this walk is the sheer variety. One minute you’re in leafy woodland, the next you’re passing by the remnants of old mills and industry that once thrived along Meanwood Beck.
There are sections like The Hollies, which feel almost prehistoric with their ancient trees and rhododendrons, and then you come across clues to Leeds’ industrial past, like old mill ponds and goits. It’s a fantastic example of how nature has reclaimed these areas. I’ve spent many an afternoon exploring its paths, finding new little detours and enjoying the sound of the beck flowing alongside me. It’s a great one for spotting wildlife too, and it really shows how Leeds has managed to weave green corridors right through its urban landscape.
Grandeur and Greenery: Exploring Roundhay Park’s Past
You can’t talk about walks in Leeds without mentioning Roundhay Park. It’s absolutely massive, and while it’s brilliant for just a casual stroll or a picnic, if you delve a bit deeper, there’s a lot of history to uncover too. I love wandering around the main lake, but also exploring the less-trodden paths through the woodlands.
There are features like the “Castle,” which isn’t a real castle but a folly built in 1811, that add a bit of romantic history to your walk. Then there are the formal gardens, like the Canal Gardens and the Monet Garden (inspired by the gardens at Giverny), which are beautiful in any season. You can easily imagine Victorian families promenading here. I often try to picture what the park looked like when it was first laid out. It’s a place where you can spend hours just exploring, from the wide-open spaces perfect for a run-around to the quieter, more secluded woodland paths.
Abbey Ruins and Riverside Rambles: Kirkstall Abbey and the Aire
A walk around Kirkstall Abbey is like stepping back into a different era. The magnificent ruins of the 12th-century Cistercian monastery are just incredible to wander through, and the surrounding parkland by the River Aire makes for a really peaceful and scenic outing. I love starting at the abbey itself, taking in the sheer scale of the ruins and imagining the lives of the monks who once lived there.
From the abbey, you can follow paths along the river, heading either towards the city or further out. The riverside here is often quite tranquil, and it’s a great spot for a bit of quiet reflection. The area around the abbey also has an interesting industrial history, with Abbey Mills just across the river. It’s a walk that perfectly blends dramatic historical architecture with the natural beauty of the riverside.
Uncovering City Centre Stories: A Blue Plaque Trail
For a walk that keeps you right in the heart of the city but uncovers layers of history, I really enjoy doing a bit of a self-guided Blue Plaque Trail. Leeds Civic Trust has put up loads of these plaques across the city, marking buildings and sites of historical significance. You can pick a starting point, or even find a map of them online, and just wander from one to the next.
It’s a brilliant way to notice details you might usually walk straight past and to learn about the people and events that have shaped Leeds. From the grand Victorian architecture of the shopping arcades and Kirkgate Market to sites connected with famous Leeds figures or pivotal moments in the city’s development, it turns a simple city stroll into a fascinating historical treasure hunt. I always discover something new every time I decide to follow the plaques.
These are just a few of my personal favourites, of course. Leeds is packed with so many more amazing places to stretch your legs and explore its history and scenery. Whether you’ve got an hour or a whole day, there’s a walk out there waiting for you. So, get your shoes on and go discover it!
URL Sources:
- Leeds City Council (for information on parks and public rights of way): https://www.leeds.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside
- Canal & River Trust (for Leeds & Liverpool Canal information): https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/leeds-and-liverpool-canal
- The Meanwood Valley Trail (often detailed on walking sites and council pages): https://www.leeds.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/major-parks/meanwood-valley-trail
- Friends of Roundhay Park (for park history and features): https://www.forp.org/
- Leeds Museums and Galleries (for Kirkstall Abbey information): https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/kirkstall-abbey/
- Leeds Civic Trust (for Blue Plaque information): https://leedscivictrust.org.uk/heritage/blue-plaques/
- AllTrails / Komoot (useful for finding specific walking routes and maps contributed by other walkers): https://www.alltrails.com/, https://www.komoot.com/
