If you’re living in North Leeds, you’ve no doubt tried this walk before… it’s perfect if you want to feel that you’ve escaped from the bustle but don’t want to travel too far. It’s not pushchair friendly and might be a tad long for little legs, but is good for older children and is fairly flat.
Route: A path circles the reservoir, OS route here.
Distance: 4.5 miles
Accessibility: Not suitable for pushchairs. Fairly flat, but can get muddy and a few stiles.
Facilities: None. The Dexter is a decent pub a short drive away if you’re looking for food and drinks afterwards.
Parking: Park on Lakeland Drive or Alwoodley Lane.
I recently walked this with the baby walking group, and enjoyed some gorgeous Autumn sunshine.
Eccup Reservoir Walk Description
After walking down Lakeland Drive, take the path on the left to walk round the reservoir in a clockwise direction. Whilst this walk doesn’t provide access to the waterfront itself, you are provided with lovely views through the trees during the first part of the walk.
The route should be fairly clear through the fields on this well walked route, watch out for lots of mud after wet weather!
After leaving the fields, there’s a fairly chunky walk along the road. Luckily it’s pretty quiet, but bare this in mind if you’re taking children with you. Alternatively you could extend your walk and avoid much of the road (see below).
The final part of the walk is along a path between the woodland surrounding the reservoir and the golf course. It is deceptively long, but this time of year it’s great to enjoy all these colours.
Be warned the climb back up Goodrick Lane to the cars feels a lot steeper than it actually is, especially if your legs are tired!
Overall, a lovely walk to enjoy if you need to stay close to Leeds or don’t want to venture too far away.
Eccup Reservoir Route Extension
Adding another 2km onto your walk, you can enjoy more of the beautiful countryside. The walks starts the same, but once you hit the road, look out for the signposted) bridle way on your left (after Eccup village). The route takes you up towards the Harewood Estate, where you’ll glimpse Emmerdale village, and then back to join the original route. Map here.
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