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Get out of the car and on yer bike to explore the Leeds area at a pace to suit you. Follow one of several signed cycle routes, ranging from an easy three-mile family ride to part of a 150 mile circular route. Pick up leaflets and maps, leave the motorways behind and breathe fresh Yorkshire air.
And here's some good news for all you keen cyclists: the West Yorkshire Cycle Route, a challenging long-distance circular route, finally re-launched in June 2004.
Read more»
Get out of the car and on yer bike to explore the Leeds area at a pace to suit you. Follow one of several signed cycle routes, ranging from an easy three-mile family ride to part of a 150 mile circular route. Pick up leaflets and maps, leave the motorways behind and breathe fresh Yorkshire air.
West Yorkshire Cycle Route
A challenging long-distance circular route which finally re-launched in June 2004. WYCR is 150 miles of mainly on-road circular route, roughly following the county boundary and varying from rolling farmland to the strenuous rises of the Pennine hills. Ride it in a day if you're fit enough. Alternatively plan a weekend break or pick shorter rides between points of interest.
Originally devised in 1985 by the now disbanded West Yorkshire County Council, the WYCR is a 150-mile circular journey roughly following the West Yorkshire County Boundary. The course is signed in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, identified by the route logo: a white rose with the initials "WYCR" on a green patch.
Covering mainly quieter minor roads, the route is ideal for both club and leisure cyclists. The whole circuit is a real challenge for fit cyclists, although it can be tackled as a series of day rides or a short tour, whilst the traffic free off-road sections are suitable for family groups and cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Terrain varies greatly as the route takes cyclists through some of the best West Yorkshire rural landscapes, and popular tourist spots. The western sections offer the most challenging riding, through the Pennine hills around Marsden, Hebden Bridge and Haworth. From the Bronte country the route passes into Airedale and visits Ilkley and Menston.
More leisurely cycling is to be found in Wharfedale as the route calls in at Bramhope and Wetherby, before turning south towards Garforth, Castleford and Pontefract. The journey continues through the rolling, rural landscape around Hemsworth, West Bretton and Denby Dale, returning westward once more to the moors above Holmfirth and the Pennine ridge country.
So why not take up the challenge, and explore the remarkable landscape of West Yorkshire? You may well discover something new. The route is well served by local train services if it all gets too much for you.
The new full-colour leaflet is available free from West Yorkshire Tourist information centres, libraries and participating bike shops.
The Aire Valley Towpath Route
A 21 mile (and growing) off-road route from Leeds to Riddlesden. From Granary Wharf in the city centre, the towpath takes you past a number of attractions, including Leeds Industrial Museum, Kirkstall Abbey, Bramley Falls, Rodley Nature Reserve, and beyond Leeds to the World Heritage Site village of Saltaire, Bingley, Five Rise locks and East Riddlesden Hall. Return journey possible by train.
www.airevalleytowpath.org.uk
Transpennine Trail - Leeds section
This mostly traffic-free route follows the Aire-Calder Navigation for seven miles to the south - passing the Royal Armouries and Thwaite Mills Industrial Museum - to Rothwell Country Park. Beyond, the trail continues to Methley, Wakefield and Barnsley.
www.transpenninetrail.org.uk
Harland Way
This three mile traffic-free route from the market town of Wetherby follows a disused railway track to the picturesque village of Spofforth, passing a variety of scenery to finish near the 14th century Spofforth Castle.
Bridleways
Bicycles are also permitted to use the extensive bridleway network across the city and beyond.
Leaflets are available on the above routes from Gateway Yorkshire - Leeds Regional Travel and Tourist Information Centre. Telephone (0113) 242 5242. Also, see an online resource to help you make the most of your cycling:
www.cycletransport-westyorks.co.uk
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Cycling
Chevin Forest Park
This park near Otley covers almost 500 acres of moorland and woodland.
More info »
Ilkley Moor
A popular area of moorland between Ilkley and Keighley, not far from Leeds.
More info »
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Monday 01 Dec 2008
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