Here’s our Mumbler picks of the Best Woodland Walks in Leeds for families (and some just outside of Leeds but DEFINITELY worth the effort)! Woods and forest walks are also BRILLIANT for those rainy days or super sunny days where you want to get out but want a little bit of shelter!
Roundhay Park
The woods at Roundhay Park are beautiful, with lots to explore to the East of Waterloo Lake (between the park paths and Elmet Lane) or along the Secret Gorge walk, with runs from the top of Waterloo Lake all the way to the Ring Road. Read more about this walk- and others at Roundhay Park in this blog.
The Temple Newsam trailway runs around the estate and is perfect to see the fantastic woodland. It might be a little long for families though. If you want to just explore and get lost on the little paths that run through the woods, park on Bullerthorpe Lane and head down the Avenue. Not only will you get the stunning views of the estate, but you can take your pick of the paths that run off the Avenue into the woods. If you’re after a more recognized route, have a look at this blog.
The Hollies is another beautiful Leeds wood to enjoy a family walk, and you can approach it from Meanwood Park (where there’s a cafe, parking and a play area). Enjoy a beautiful walk along the beck, or link onto walking the Meanwood Valley Trail- where you could head over the ringroad and up to Adel Woods.
These great woods in Horsforth are perfect for families to explore- but be aware that the paths are uneven and not suitable for buggies. Read more about Hunger Hills walks here.
There’s a lovely 1 mile circular walk from the carpark on Leeds and Bradford Road through the woodland and along the canal, before returning back through the woods. Read more on the Muddy Boots site here.
Billy Woods, KippaxPark at Kippax Leisure centre and head up the hill to join one of the lovely walking routes around Billy Woods. Most paths are not buggy friendly (and definitely dont try one if you’re taking one of the paths from the leisure centre), but the area is compact and good for little legs to explore- with a few opportunities to scramble! Read more about this walk here.
Otley Chevin holds a host of woodland walks, and you can return countless times and still miss parts. There are sculptures around the woods, a dry stone maze to find, and make sure to find one of the viewpoints- just stunning!
The 5km permissive path around Oulton Hall’s golf course is almost completely in woodland. The track is clear, although not suitable for buggies and it can get muddy in places after wet weather- so do take your wellies! Beautiful woodland with masses of bluebells and snowdrops when you’re looking for the right season!
Park on Milner Lane to use the path that takes you into this picturesque nature reserve comprising of some beautiful woodland. There are a few walking options, including taking the path towards Bardsey on a circular route, or exploring the adjacent Pompocali Earthworks- mounds from the Roman times and fantastic to see!
Just North of Otley are the popular walks around Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs. Both routes go through woodland areas, but my personal favourite is Fewston reservoir, with lovely woods to the East. The walk is buggy friendly although be prepared for some small hills. Read more here.
Down in Wakefield, Newmillerdam Country Park is probably my favourite woodland area, with a mix of glorious pines and pretty deciduous trees- making this a perfect place to come for Autumn walks, particularly if you’re a fan of Autumn pictures! Make sure to explore further than the lakeside path- there is so much more to Newmillerdam. If you have small children, they might enjoy the Gnome Roam.
Adjacent to the popular Anglers Country Park (home to the Room on the Broom Trail), Haw Park wood is a mystical woodland with plenty for children to see – including fairy doors! Read more about Haw Park Wood here.
Oakwell HallOakwell Hall has a number of circular routes to explore the park, including through it’s lovely woodland areas. Try the 2 mile nature trail if you don’t have a buggy, which takes you on paths through the trees and up to the viewing point. If you have a buggy, stick to the bridlepath that will still give you a good opportunity of enjoying the woods. Read more here.
