This great route takes in some of the best bits of both Meanwood Valley and the beautiful landscapes of the Hollies! We chose a rather drizzly day for this walk, which worked out rather perfectly as much of the paths are through woodland and kept us sheltered.
Parking and facilities: A small car park at Meanwood Park. Cafe with toilets (currently take out only) is near a fab playground. Picnic benches available half way round.
Distance: 3.8 km
Accessibility: Paths muddy in places and uneven footing. Whilst I’m sure an off-road buggy could technically make it round, I certainly wouldn’t advise it.
Route: We used followed walk four on this booklet from North Leeds Mumbler’s great blog on local North Leeds Walks! It’s pretty easy to follow, particularly if you’re familiar with this area.
Walking to The Hollies from Meanwood Park
Leaving the carpark on the tarmaced path, you turn to walk alongside the beck. Our daughter loved that we got to cross a number of unique bridges, especially playing her favourite game of Pooh sticks!
Once you get past Hustler’s Row (a great name for this little row of cottages), you turn to follow the lane uphill towards the Hollies. This bit is a little steep, and the only part of the walk where our daughter had a little whinge!
Walking through The Hollies, Leeds
Near the top of the Lane, just before you reach the road, you’ll see the entrance to the Hollies on your right. The Hollies is a Victorian Woodland Garden with beautiful paths and pretty rockeries. It was the first time we’ve made it up here, even though unbelievably I lived for a year just down the road!
After walking past the rockeries and tennis courts, you can pick up the main path that eventually leads to the ring road. It’s nice and wide, and was perfectly peaceful until Jess’s screams of joy pierced the tranquility as she splashed in puddles!
At the ring road, turn right and walk until Parkside Road. It’s a fast road, so make sure you have a good hold of your little ones!
The Meanwood Valley Trail to Meanwood Park
After turning onto Parkside Road, you’ll soon see the Information Board at the entrance into Meanwood Grove. There’s a small field here that has picnic benches, so a great place to stop if you’re picnicking!
The route continues along a path next to the beck, it’s extremely beautiful, with meadows, ponds and the woodland itself to enjoy.
We stopped to snack at the wooden bridge that crosses back to the Hollies (although you don’t cross it!). If you did want to avoid the ring road section of the walk, you can loop round from the main path on the Hollies and rejoin at this point – but your descent is steep and rocky, so you might want to avoid in wet weather.
Continue along the woodland path, and eventually you’ll arrive at the playing fields of Meanwood Park, where soon little legs will be able to be rewarded with some time at the playground, and you can grab a coffee at the cafe.
We thoroughly enjoyed this walk, and it’s great to be able to enjoy so much woodland and green without even leaving Leeds (I mean what a great city!). It’s a perfect choice for a grey day when you need some fresh air, so get it on the list!
Suggestions for other walks in Leeds
- If woodland walks are your thing, you might want to look at other blogs in this category.
- Further along the Meanwood Valley Trail is Golden Acre Park, read this post for a circular walk there.
- If you like the distance but want a buggy, this route around Temple Newsam might be just the thing!
