Heath - St Aidan's - Temple Newsam - Stanley Ferry

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!