Horsforth Walks - Canal and Country
This town near Leeds has a fine local park and is also close to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the River Aire.
This walk from Horsforth Hall Park takes you through the countryside to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal where you can follow the towpath to the historic Kirkstall Abbey.
The walk starts in Horsforth Hall Park. This large park is a lovely place for a stroll in the town. There's open parkland and a Japanese formal garden to see here. From the park you head north west to pick up the Leeds Country Way. Follow this waymarked footpath west and it will take you past Woodleigh Hall to Cragg Wood. Near here you pick up a riverside path along the River Aire which will take you to Apperley Bridge. Cross the river here and you can then pick up the Aire Valley Towpath and follow it east to Calverley Bridge and Rodley. There's the Rodley Nature Reserve here with a visitor centre and lots of wildlife to look out for.
The route continues east to Newlay and Sandford before coming to Kirstall Abbey. The atmospheric 12th century abbey includes some lovely parkland and gardens right next to the River Aire. From the abbey park it is a short walk to Headingley Station where you can catch a train back to Horsforth.
Postcode
LS18 5JE - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsHorsforth Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Horsforth Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Horsforth OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Horsforth Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
There is a good on site cafe in Horsforth Hall Park at the start of the walk.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just north west of the town you'll find Yeadon Tarn. There's a nice little circular walk to follow around this attractive little lake.
The Meanwood Valley Trail can also be picked up nearby. This country trail will take you to the popular Golden Acre Park where there's miles of trails and other attractions.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Horsforth Hall Park. The route starts in this pretty park in the town. There's lots of good footpaths and lovely gardens to see here.
Autumnal flower bed, Horsforth Hall Park
Horses cooling off in the River Aire close to Woodhouse Railway Bridge
Calverley Lodge Swing Bridge
Calverley Pack Horse Bridge. Crossing southwestwards over the River Aire and the gridline, this bridge was built in 1775 and is Grade II listed.
The Rodley Barge, Canal Road, Rodley. The canalside pub.
Whitecote House, Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Whitecote, Leeds
Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds, West Yorkshire