Wakefield Wheel
This 38 mile circular cycle route explores the parks, countryside and villages surrounding the West Yorkshire town of Wakefield.
On the route you'll pass several of the highlights of the area including Pugneys Country Park, Newmillerdam Country Park, Wintersett Reservoir, Anglers Country Park, Nostell Priory, the Barnsley Canal and the Wakefield Aire and Calder Canal. There's woodland paths, lots of waterside sections and some off road mountain bike trails to enjoy on the way.
As a circular ride there are several good access points but this ride starts off at the car park at Pugneys Country Park and first heads south east to Newmillerdam. Here you pick up a dismantled railway line and continue to the Barnsley Canal before turning north to Haw Park Wood, Wintersett Reservoir, Anglers Country Park and Nostell Priory. The route then continues north to Sharlston and Normanton before reaching the canal at Altofts Ings. You can then follow the towpath south west to Stanley Ferry where you'll pass the Stanley Marshes Nature Reserve with its lake and birdlife. You continue through Lofthouse Gate, Lingwell Gate, Kirkhamgate and Gawthorpe. This section passes close to Ardsley Reservoir.
The final section heads south through Ossett and Horbury before crossing the River Calder and returning to Pugneys.
Wakefield Wheel Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Wakefield Wheel Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Wakefield Wheel OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Wakefield Wheel Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In Horbury you could stop off at the noteworthy Navigation Inn. The pub is splendidly positioned on an island between the River Calder & Calder & Hebble Navigation. You can sit outside and watch the boats go by on the waterways. It's also a short walk from Calder Vale on the other bank of the river via an interesting tubular footbridge. The pub can be found at Broad Cut Road, Calder Grove, WF4 3DS. The inn is dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your cycling in the area you pick up the Leeds to Barnsley Cycle Route or head to the nearby Fitzwilliam Country Park. The Wonders of Wakefield is a shorter route which follows some of the same paths as the Wheel.
The Castleford Greenway will take you to Castleford along the old railway line. The surfaced path makes for a safe, easy cycle or walk in the area.
For more cycling ideas in the area see the Wakefield Cycle Routes page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Pugneys Country Park. You could start the ride from this lovely country park, located just to the south of Wakefield city centre.
Newmillerdam
Wintersett Reservoir The reservoir was built in 1854 to feed the nearby Barnsley Canal.
Barnsley Canal. The canal is a little better defined at this side of Cold Hiendley Common Lane, though still overgrown.
Nostell Priory. 18th-century architectural masterpiece with Adam interiors
Aire and Calder towards Castleford
Stanley Marshes lake. This peaceful reserve provides an ideal habitat for the flora and fauna in the area.
Birkwood Lock, nr. Stanley. Birkwood Lock is one of the mechanised locks on the Aire and Calder Navigation. The amber traffic light indicates the lock keeper is not present and the lock is available for self operation.