Leeds Cycling

This ride takes us from Heath Common past Newland Park down to the canal at Altofts, and then on via Methley to the RSPB St Aidan's reserve. Our destination is Temple Newsam House, where we will stop for lunch at the Tearooms in the stable yard - or you can bring your own snap if you prefer.

We will return to Heath via Rothwell Country Park, Lemonroyd marina, Methley Junction, the delightfully named Bottom Boat, and Stanley Ferry.

This relatively flat route uses a good variety of trails including former railway lines, canal towpaths and bridleways, including parts of the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) network.

Lights: If you are riding to and from the start point rather than going by car, then you are advised to have lights on your bike as it will be dark by 4pm. In fact, it's a good idea to have them anyway at this time of year!

Meet at: Heath Common carpark, Wakefield WF1 5SL - postcode is only approximate. Please note that there are no facilities here other than the car park itself, which is free.

What3Words: https://what3words.com/smile.tour.return

Time: 09:45 for a 10:00 start.

Distance: 30 miles approx.

Estimated duration: 5 hours (including stops)

Technical difficulty: GREEN/BLUE (Easy to Moderate). Mostly good trails with nothing particularly technical, but some sections are bound to be pretty slithery after rain.

Physical difficulty: BLUE/RED (Moderate to Difficult), simply because of the distance. Total (aggregate) ascent about 1,500ft over the entire route.

Suitable for: Mountain bikes and Gravel/Hybrid bikes with treaded tyres.

Recommendations: Lights, Spare Tube, Tools, Snacks, Water.

Safety: No Helmet = No Ride!

Wheels Round Wakefield

Details:

Date: Saturday 7th December 2024

Meet Up Point: The car park to the rear of the Hungry Horse, Stanley Ferry, WF3 4LT

Ride Type: Off Road

Ride Grading: Blue

Meet Up Time: 09-45 am for a 10-00 start

Ride Leader: John

Ride Description:
Mainly off road using Bridleways, farm tracks, wooded sections, canal towpaths and old rail tracks there is some parts on tarmac to enable to link all the sections together but this route travels round some very scenic country side surrounding Wakefield and it is a very pleasant ride, There will be a cafe stop en route on this ride.

Ride Distance: 34 Miles app

Ride Duration: App 4 -5 Hrs

Difficulty: Nothing technical, a couple of slight inclines on the early sections then flat all the way make this a moderate ride

Type of Bike: Mountain – Hybrid with trail tyres

Recommendations: Spare Tubes - Tools - Food - Water - Helmet

Safety: No Helmet no ride

Fee: There is no fee for this event!

Route: Why not celebrate the Winter Solstice with this, the antidote to Christmas shopping? It is a modified and extended version of the Wonders of Wakefield route, mainly off-road on mostly good easy trails exploring some of the rural scenery round Wakefield. This includes Newmillerdam Woods, Rabbit Ings country park, Anglers country park, Nostell Priory, Walton Colliery nature park, Heath Common and Pugneys Lake. The route may be altered or shortened depending on weather, trail conditions and how we are for time.

Lunch: We will stop for lunch at Nostell Priory (National Trust) where there is a café, and also a takeaway with a small selection of hot & cold food - or you can bring your own snap if you prefer.

Lights: We should be back well before sunset, but nevertheless you are advised to have lights on your bike, especially if you are riding home afterwards.

Meet: 09:45 for 10:00 departure, close to the recycle bins at Asda superstore, Asdale Road, Wakefield, WF2 7EQ. Don't worry - you won't get clamped!

What3Words: https://what3words.com/outer.peach.proved

Nearest rail station: Sandal & Agbrigg (1.5 miles).

Distance: 25 miles.

Duration: 5 hours including stops (estimated).

Technical difficulty: BLUE (Moderate), nothing particularly technical, but some sections of trail could well be rather slithery if there has been recent rain.

Physical difficulty : BLUE (Moderate), 1,300ft total ascent with no long 'lung buster' climbs.

Suitable For: Mountain bikes, Gravel bikes and Hybrids with treaded tyres.

Recommendations: Lights, Spare tube, Tools, Pump, Snacks, Energy bars/drinks, Water.

Safety: No Helmet = No Ride!