Leeds Green Gateways

On June 22nd – at the start of the Otley Walking Festival – Walkers are Welcome (Otley) launched their new long-distance trail: Leeds Green Gateways. After invigorating speeches and festive cakes 24 walkers set off for the first of four stages completing the 41-mile circular route during the Festival.

The trail based on a leaflet produced by Leeds City Council passes through an astonishing number of North West Leeds parks and green spaces: Chevin Forest, Yeadon Tarn, Horsforth Hall, Hunger Hills, Hawksworth Wood, Kirkstall Abbey Park, Woodhouse Moor, Meanwood Park, Adel Wood, Golden Acre, Gallows Hill, the valleys of Wharfe and Aire, and the hills, and meadows of the area.
The original text for the guide book was written by Ryk Downes then over the last two years this was checked, double checked, and refined by members of Walkers are Welcome (Otley) Steering Group and Otley Walking Festival.

As Colin Speakman (of Dales Way fame) writes in his foreword: “No need to drive miles to the Dales or the Lakes to join traffic queues and congestion. So much easier to walk out of your own front door, or hop on a bus; look out for lovely rewilded areas, wildflowers, birdlife, small mammals and even the occasional urban fox so close to where people live and work.”

Walkers are Welcome (Otley) are grateful for the backing and financial support of Otley Town Council, Otley Walking Festival, Otley Walkers, Leeds Ward Councillors for Otley & Yeadon, Kirkstall, Weetwood, Alwoodley, Adel & Wharfedale, and Guisley & Rawdon, Ramble Worldwide Charitable Trust and CEG. This helped make the Leeds Green Gateways a reality.

The guide books are available at outlets in Otley they will also be available through www.wawotley.org.uk