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Walks in 2024
- 11/12/24 Last Walk of2024
- 13/10/24 Leathley
- 09/10/24 Golden Acre Park
- 28/08/24 Fairburn Ings Ledston
- 24/07/24 Crooked Billet Barkston Ash
- 10/07/24 Crooked Billet Hazelwood Castle
- 05/06/24 Templenewsam Skelton Lakes
- 08/05/24 Aberford Lotherton
- 10/04/24 St Aidans Flooding
- 00/02/24 Parlington Flyline
- 00/12/23 Towton
- 00/11/23 Boston Spa
Walks in 2025
- 26/02/25 Long Walk Templenewsam
- 12/03/2025 Short Walk Nanny Goat La ELOR
- 23/04/2025 Wetherby Boston Spa
- 28/05/2025 Castleford Ferry Fryston
- 11/06/25 Aberford-Hookmoor-Lotherton
- 25/06/25 Crooked Billet Hazelwood Castle
- 09/07/25 Stanley Ferry
- 23/07/25 Spofforth Sicklinghall
- 27/08/25 Barwick Scholes
- 10/09/25 Thorner via Pompocali
- 24/09/25 Linesway Templenewsam
- 08/10/25 Harewood-22/10/25 Fountains Abbey
- 12/11/25 Woodlesford-26/11/25 Garforth Ledsham
- 10/12/25 Christmas Meal
Bramham Park
22nd April 2026
The 22th of April saw 10 of us congregating at the edge of Bramham for a 9.2 mile walk led by Pete and Val. We enjoyed some lovely sunshine and decent temperatures as we headed away from Bramham and eventually in around and through Bramham Park on this lovely circular walk.
Linesway - St Aidan's
8th April 2026
On the 8th April we had a mixed distance walk alone the Linesway and St Aidan’s on a glorious day. With 9 of us, including one new walker, starting in Garforth for a 10 walk, and a further 4 walks joining at Becks Lane, Kippax for a 7.75 miler. We stopped off at The Green House in Methley for our break and on spent a while bird watching and catching a glimpse of a Little Owl before leaving St Aidan’s for back.
Lotherton -Long Walk
25th March 2026
The 25th of March saw 8 of us on a bright but cold morning set out to Lotherton Hall for our long walk of the month at 10.25 miles. We headed up the Flyline and onto Aberford before stopping at Lotherton café for coffee and cake. The return trip was via Scotts Woods, Hooks Moor and Micklefield
Thorner v Pompocali
11th March 2026
7 mile walk led by Gary From the Mexborough Arms we headed first via the outskirts of Thorner and fields to Thorner Moor Plantation, eventually crossing Milner Beck, which proved to be a team building/challenge exercise trying to cross the now swollen waters, without anyone falling in! We eventually entered the area known as Pompocali, an intriguing area of overgrown mounds of earth that are thought to have been part of a Roman quarry prompting much Googling to develop our history knowledge.
Tadcaster Circular 8.7 Miles
25th February 2026
John and Julie led a lovely walk around Tadcaster starting along the river Wharfe with 9 of us and 2 dogs in tow. For once it wasn’t raining and the sun shone, just a tad. We did have to divert a little at the beginning due to a flooded field but were soon back on track up to Wighill Lane before following the river again. Then across fields to the lovely village of Newton Kyme and again following the river back, spotting a Grey Heron feeding on the river’s edge
Garforth, Springs, Green Park
7th February 2026
The start of February continued the very wet and muddy theme so this was more of an urban walk, to give us a break from all that mud, well most of it! 11 of us and 2 dogs went via Barrowby Lane, crossing the new footbridge over the railway to join Nanny Goat Lane and the muddy path by the bedraggled looking horses. On hitting the ELOR we went through the new estate and via Green Park, though much depleted now, before heading back via the Springs to enjoy a coffee and heading back.
January 2026 Walks
January was a challenging month for walks due to the copious amount of rain and associated mud, but this didn’t put off our keen walkers. Our early January walk saw eight of us and two dogs set out from the Wilderness car park in Wetherby for a 6 mile circuit out along the river Wharfe and up and through Wetherby racecourse and before heading back for cuppa.
Our second walk of the month saw 8 of us and two dogs headed out on an overcast and misty day from the Crooked Billet for a 7 mile walk up to Hazelwood Castle and back round. Right from the start we were challenged by a very waterlogged St Mary’s chapel, Lead field. Much of the walk was enjoyed through fields and woods but we had to divert on the return leg when our way was completely flooded and impassable
Christmas Meal
10th December
In December we just had the one walk for our Christmas meal on the 10th of December. Ten of us parked up at the Chequers Inn, Ledsham and headed out for a 7 mile walk on a dry though breezy and cool day. We went through the village and across fields before hitting Fairburn and then onto Fairburn Ings RSPB, for an aimable saunter around the lakes, before making it back in time for some pre-lunch drinks and some great food
November 2025
Woodlesford Locks, Templenewsam
7.5 miles 12th November
For our first walk of the month on 12th November, six of us and two dogs headed from the car park at Woodlesford Locks up to Temple Newsam via Bullerthorpe Lane and then tracks to join the Avenue. After a coffee break at the team rooms at Temple we headed back via Skelton Lakes and along the canal.
Garforth, Ledsham, Micklefield
10.5 miles 26th November.
For our longer walk of the month on 26th November, on a very cold start to the day, eight of us and two dogs set out from The Podger, heading for the garden centre and then on to Ledsham. We stopped for a while at the Chequers Inn to warm ourselves by the fire whilst we sipped our drinks. On the way back via Micklefield we made a slight detour around the woods having missed a turn, before getting back on track and returning alongside the railway line from Micklefield.
Harewood- 8th October
For our walk on 8th October six of us and two dogs walked the fields and woods around Harewood. Enjoying some lovely views and a nice cuppa towards the end of the walk at the Muddy Boots café, that is dog friendly.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
22nd October
Our longer walk of the month on 22nd October saw 10 of us and three dogs starting out from the visitor centre at Fountains Abbey. Whilst a longer walk and a bit of an uphill at the beginning the rest of the walk was nice and flat for a lovely chilled out saunter enjoying great views over the Abbey, Ripon Cathedral and surrounding countryside
Linesway, Temple Newsam and The Springs – 10 miles 24th September 2025.
Gary led the longer walk of the month starting from The Podger and heading via The Linesway, picking up walkers along the way until there were seven by the time they hit Kippax, all enjoying the walk, the country air and yet again some good weather. Leaving The Linesway via Brecks Lane and eventually crossing over the M1, we entered the Avenue Woods of Temple Newsam before following the little beck into Colton. Then onto the Springs and a well-earned break before we set off again via the ELOR and one of the many new walking routes this opens up to gain access to Shippen Plantation and Garforth Golf Course before heading back on The Old Coach Road and coming back into Garforth.
Thorner via Pompocali and surrounding area – 7 miles – 10th September 2025
What a bumper outing we had with no less than12 people, including one new walker, on Gary’s shorter walk of the month. As ever good weather was had and we set out from the Mexborough Arms on this new and intriguing walk. We headed first via the outskirts of Thorner and fields to Thorner Moor Plantation, eventually crossing Milner Beck before going through Stubbing Moor Plantation. Then finally, after crossing another couple of fields and walking beside Hetchell Wood and Crags, we entered the area known as Pompocali. This is an intriguing area of overgrown mounds of earth that are thought to have been part of a Roman quarry, or are they!
Barwick to Scholes and Aberford – 27th August 2025 10.2 ms
I was hoping to start the walk from Garforth to save a car trip, but at 12 miles we voted for the shorter route. Nine of us, including three new members, set out from the maypole in Barwick in Elmet. The weather was nice and warm although there was some debate about potential rain, which did come towards the end of the walk, though not so heavy as to dampen our spirits. We followed the Leeds Country Way through Scholes and down to the golf course before heading into Parlington estate and out into Aberford and a welcome stop for a drink at the old Arabian Horse (1770). We also enjoyed some delicious rock cakes, courtesy of Christine. After our refreshments we headed back to Barwick via Becca Lane and Potterton.
Spofforth, Sicklinghall and Kirkby Overblow 8.7 mile circular
23rd July 2025
Four members joined Wendy for a longer walk of the month from Spofforth. This was again a fair weather walk and the route took us across farmland and past Christmas tree plantations before arriving in Sicklinghall. We made an impromptu stop at the Shoulder of Mutton tin Kirkby Overblow to get refreshments and have a rest before heading back via the fishing lakes and golf course to reach Spofforth Castle (manor house).
Stanley Ferry and Surrounding Waterway 7.5 mile circular
9th July 2025
Six members joined Gary on a very sunny day for a lovely walk around Stanley Ferry, following The Aire & Calder Navigation before heading to Altofts and past Kirkthorpe and the fascinating historical St Peter’s church. Apparently, the stopping place of benedictine nuns fleeing the French revolution. Once past Half Moon Pond and Blue Bridge, we headed back to Stanley Ferry for a nice site down and cool drinks
Crooked Billet to Hazelwood Castle
25th June 2025
This was supposed to have been our long walk given that it was the 4th Wednesday of the month, alas my walking boots were in the cobblers so we had to settle for a shorter outing in my walking trainers of 6.8 miles. So, on a very pleasant sunny day five of us with two dogs parked up at the pub and set out across the field and past St Mary’s Chapel making our way on good footpaths up towards Hazelwood Castle. The friendly farmer's dog wasn’t at its usual spot to welcome us as we went past. As we approached Hazelwood Castle, we couldn’t resist a little photo stop on the steps before making our way via the service road into Hazel Wood and then following Cock Beck back. We stopped off at the pub afterwards to enjoy some welcome drinks and cake.
Aberford - Hook Moor- Lotherton
11th June 2025
Four of us set out from Aberford Almshouses for our short walk of the month. We headed up to Hook Moor, passing the wind turbines, which one of our members insisted on getting a closer look at and setting off the new proximity alarm! Did you know that the turbines generate enough renewable energy to power 7,000 homes a year. After going across the field we went through Ringhay woods and into Lotherton for a nice cuppa, before heading back via footpaths to Stocking Lane and back into Aberford to round off a good 6.85 mile walk.
Castleford - Ferry Fryston - Long Walk
28th May 2025
Five walkers joined Gary as they set out from the Old Mill Café in Castleford for a 8 mile walk along the canal to Fairburn Ings. As it was a dry and bright day and after crossing the bridge and going under the railway into Fryston Country park we followed the river path to Ferry Fryston. Staying off road we followed the track back to Wheldon Road which led us back to Castleford. A slight detour over the new bridge took us to the finish and a well-deserved coffee.
23rd April 2025
Wetherby - Boston Spa
Seven of us and three dogs set out from Boston Spa on a bright day with a little chill in the air, for our longer walk in April. This is a lovely 9-mile walk making use of repurposed railway lines for much of it and on mostly paths with some urban areas to make the circular walk. We headed to Wetherby first and then back via Thorpe Arch. We took a little detour in search of a coffee shop in Wetherby but settled for a relaxed stop at a coffee shop in Boston Spa before some light rain rushed us back to our respective cars.
12th March 2025 Nanny Goat Lane and ELOR
Our shorter walk in March was a little local circular at just under 6.2 miles which five of us enjoyed. We had to divert from Barrowby Lane because the footpath is now closed, to Nanny Goat Lane. We did a bit of the ELOR before going through Barnbow Woods and Plantation, and then through the golf course and back via the fields behind Tesco. Some of us then went to Weatherspoon’s for a post walk debrief and drink.
26th Feb. 2025 Long Walk - Templenewsam
We had a good turn out of eight keen walks for a bit of a longer trek for our long walk in February at 10.8 miles. Though it was relatively flat and mostly on good paths so didn’t feel that long on yet another good weather walking day. We started off going down the Linesway and then headed across to Hollingthorpe before meeting and descending down The Avenue to Temple Newsam café for refreshments. We headed back via Colton, the Springs and Barrowby Lane before getting home for a late lunch.
Last Walk of 2024
Eight of us started out from the Lord Gascoigne, with the incentive of our Christmas meal and drink afterwards. We clocked up just under 7 miles on a dry, bright and pleasantly warm December day as we meandered via Barrowby Lane to the Springs, then on to Austhorpe, and Manston Lane. We headed back via Nanny Goat Lane and the little track behind Lotherton Business Park before getting back to the pub
Leathley
13th November 2024
For our shorter 6.5 miles walk of the month, we ventured to Leathley, just north of Leeds on a lovely sunny day. The weather had been dry the proceeding few days so the beck was passable with care, enabling us to enter the woods and view the strange red Indian head carved rock, apparently placed there by an Italian POW from a nearby camp. The walk included some lovely views of the surrounding countryside and passed through the quaint hamlets of Stainburn with its pretty church, Braythorn and Lindley Green, before trekking downhill and back to Leathley along the river.
Golden Acre Park
9th October 2024
Five of us set off on the Golden Acre Park and surrounding area walk, on a rather wet, damp and windy day. It was supposed to be 6 miles but the fairy house distracted us, resulting in us being ‘geographically mislocated’ for a while before getting back on track and finishing on 7 miles. We enjoyed hot drinks and cake afterwards to congratulate ourselves on braving the weather. A big thank you goes to our newest member, who saved the day with a big high vis jacket that she happened to have in her car and was able to lend the convenor, who had forgotten to bring her coat!
Fairburn Ings-Ledston
28th Aug 2024
Our August long walk was just a circular walk just under 8.5 miles long around Fairburn Ings. It was pulled together from several dog walks that Mick does in the area and five of us with one new member to u3a went from Lin Dike car park. We headed toward Allerton Bywater before going across fields to Ledston and Ledsham, and back around Fairburn Ings. It was a lovely walk, with the opportunity to do a bit of bird watching along the way. Sadly the local pubs we passed were not open in the mornings, but there the local book exchange in the old post box at Ledston was open 24 hours.
Crooked Billet to Barkston Ash
24th July 2024
Our August long circular walk at just under miles was well attended by six hearty walkers on a somewhat hot and sticky day. Again, it was a lovely local walk starting from The Crooked Billet and going across the fields to Saxton, then on to Church Fenton, before heading back via Barkston Ash. As we were flagging a bit with the heat by the time we got to Barkston Ash we decided that a cooling drink would be a good option and headed enthusiastically into The Ash Tree pub. As it was lunch time, most of us opted for a light lunch to go with the drink whilst we chatted about the morning’s exploits. Keen to get back we headed out just as the heavens decided to open with a five-minute burst of heavy rain, just to prove that you do need a rain jacket, even on a hot sunny day! We soon dried off and were back in time to put our feet up and enjoy the rest of the good weather in the garden.
Crooked Billet- Hazelwood Castle
10th July 2024
Our early July walk was a local 8 mile circular starting from The Crooked Billet. We walked a clockwise route up past Lead Church and alongside Cock Beck, which involved trying to avoid the flooded sections following the torrential rain we had the day before. Despite our efforts we still all ended up with wet feet! The route took us alongside Hayton Wood where we were lucky enough to catch sight of a deer, before it bounded away. After going through Hazel Wood and then past Hazelwood Castle we headed back for a refreshing drink after our adventure via Castle Hill farm, but not before being welcomed by a friendly farm collie and spotting a family of hares foraging in a field.
Templenewsam-Skelton Lakes
5th June 2024
We had a good turn out for our early June walk of 7.5 miles. Six of us set out from Temple Newsam for Skelton Lakes and the canal managing to cut through the new estate on the existing, though redirected path. As luck would have it we had a bright day and despite the foreboding clouds, we only had one short light shower as we returned via the Avenue.
Aberford Lotherton - Short Walk
8th May 2024
We had a lovely day for our early May short walk at just over 7.5 miles. Three of us (many of the group already on holiday), with one new member of the group and the u3a, started out from the Almshouses in Aberford, steeped in all its grandeur and history. We headed to Hook Moor Wind Farm, through the fields and Ringhay Woods before stopping off at Lotherton Hall for a coffee break. After a small section of road walking, we were again enjoying the tranquil countryside. We emerged just before Aberford to take the lesser-known track behind the village. Here we encountered some friendly horses that were keen to sniff out our snacks, before emerging into Aberford via Cock Beck. With no pressing ties we decided that we should round off the walk with a cooling drink at The Arabian Horse, which as luck would have it, had just opened
St Aidans Flooding
10th Apr 2024
For our early April walk, five of us (including two new members), set out in the hope of good weather and less mud for this time of year. The walk started from the head of the Linesway at Ninelands, with the option for members to join at a couple of points along the way for shorter walks. The first half was pleasant underfoot and the weather held as we entered St Aiden's and headed to Rivers Meet, for a welcome drink and cake as the clouds amassed overhead. Waterproofs were donned as we left the cafe for St Aiden's causeway, which we found unsurprisingly to be floored. A skirt around the lake for an alternative route proved too muddy to pass and so to option C. A spirit of teamwork ensued as we helped each other negotiate a somewhat challenging muddy and in places waterlogged path to Great Preston, before heading back along the Linesway and home in time for lunch.
Parlington-Fly Line February 2024
We had a good turnout, including two new members, for our shorter walk in February at just over 6 miles with some decent weather despite the recent rains. The first half of the walk was on easy paths and country lanes from Garforth towards the Leeds Country Way and the golf course, before heading round and back via Parlington estate.
The return along the Fly Line proved more challenging as we encountered flooded paths and had to head up and across the overgrown and muddy banks. However, we all pulled together to help each other across the mud, with only one person succumbing to a bit of a mud bath! We all survived the return to Garforth and a well-earned pint in the nearest pub to celebrate our mornings achievements.
Towton December 2023
For our short walk in December we set off for Saxton across the muddy fields from the Crooked Billet. As expected we were not disappointed to find that by the time we emerged in Saxton we had to find every available wooden post to try and lighten our boots of the mud! Needless to say that there was a unanimous decision to avoid the field on the way back. We seem to have hit the sweet spot with the weather and whilst a little cold, the rain stayed away for our meander around the Towton battlefield walk.
Boston Spa November 2023
For our November long walk on Wednesday 22nd, four of us enjoyed some good weather for the time of year on a bright and fine day for a 8.3 mile easy walk. We set off from Boston Spa up to Thorp Arch before heading to Wetherby along the old railway line and the Harland Way before heading back via Wetherby Ings and good woodland and roadside footpaths.
