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Verified Slow Way

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As a tourist to Leeds, it’s a nice touristy stroll out of the city centre - walking across bridges and along the buildings. It is reasonably safe, we did it during the day and we were in a group, so there’s other things to consider if you are doing it solo and during the evening/night time. The little woodland areas along the route really broke up how at times it felt concrete-heavy, where we saw a variety of animals, such as squirrels, birds, insects and toads. It’s alright, but there’s alot of roads to consider.

The route out of Leeds city centre is not complicated - there is one spot amongst the river walking/crossing that doesn't match the route, after crossing Knights Way footbridge, you have to go right (east) to get to Neptune Way via a small carpark between the buildings - if you go left (the instinctive way) there is no access through locked private residential parking areas.
After going up a hill on Richmond Road, there is a portion through housing until you reach Red Road footpath and cycle way. Red Road is the first part of the route not passing though built up environment, but I expected something 'greener'. It is a long stretch of wide tarmacked track which walkers might want relief from after coming through the city centre, but it is very good for cycling to Garforth or short walking with a buggie or using a wheelchair.
Red Road leads to where the route clips the north of Temple Newsam park, and here it is very pleasant walking amongst light wooded, grass areas. There is another hill to get up, on a road walking portion, before the southern edge of North Plantation along the Beech Walk. This section has no hardcore and for us, was super-muddy, so probably not easy for buggies/wheelchairs - one could go across the field, or even follow road if need be. After reaching the lodges, the route crosses the road and there is the option of following a footpath close to the road across fields, or walking the meandering paths through the Millenium Wood. All lead to the residential area Colton, where the route crosses Selby Road dual carriage way with safe crossings.
Barrowby Lane to the Springs retail park is quite pleasant, a mix of soft and hard ground but never too muddy or rugged. The retail park has some places to eat/drink if you need refreshments. After crossing the A6129 dual carriageway with safe crossings, Barrowby Lane continues to Garforth, and despite appearing as a footpath on maps, it is a hardcore, gravelled accessible track for all users.

Reviewed in mid-March 2024
Nice enough route setting off from Leeds city centre. Wide paths and good signposting but not enough places to rest/sit after leaving the city portion of the trail.
Not very interesting bit to walk around the Thorpe Park shopping centre which adds a lot of concrete to the walk but there are shops if you need refreshments before Garforth.

Very built up as you head out of Leeds. Moving into green areas around Temple Newsam. Some nice paths to follow and lots of birdsong before you hit woodland. Reasonable safe and accessible pathways for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Majority of paths good, wide and weatherproof; lots following bridleways or the 66 cycle network. Two stiles and short sections of field paths. Easy to follow. Suburban parts through less attractive areas, but good mix of landscapes. The section through Temple Newsome is particularly nice, as is riverside in Leeds.

Diversion necessary just before Thorpe Park (from Garforth direction), but easy to reroute via 200ft of bridleway and rejoin main route.

Decent enough route.

Generally follows National Cycle Route 66 so quite a few handy signposts.

Upwards of 80-90% is off-road - it's only really as you get to the final mile before the city centre that you do more roadside pavement walking.

The section South of Halton Moor is worth keeping your wits about you, but most the route is otherwise safe and well traversed.

This is a level route out of the city centre and skirting Temple Newsam Park to end up in the village of Garforth. It starts at City Square and follows the River Aire before joining the long distance cycle trail number 66 through industrial estates and then reaching Temple Newsam. This is the loveliest part of the walk and suddenly you find yourself in Thorpe Arch shopping centre and crossing busy roads and a short bridleway parallel to the A1(M). A footbridge takes you over the motorway and onto a path beside open fields that takes you into Garforth and the opportunity to return to Leeds by train.
There is level access throughout but a slight diversion needed to get across from the north bank of the river Aire up to Richmond Hill as the marked path is through a private residential area with a locked gate. This is easy to do.
The paths in Temple Newsam are uneven and hilly but should be fine for a sport type buggy.

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