Armley to Temple Newsam Park along Canal and River paths

A varied route with some rough off-road sections, combining the best of town and country. Starts along the Leeds/Liverpool canal towpath into Leeds, then brief road section through the city centre to the Royal Armouries where we join the Aire Calder Navigation all the way to Woodlesford Lock. A short section along quiet roads (Bullerthorpe Lane, Newsam Green Road, Pontefract Lane) brings us to the rear entrance of Temple Newsam Park (via a short steep uphill path). We leave the park via the main entry road but soon rejoin Route 66 urban cycleway and the River Aire to Leeds city centre where we will retrace our path back along the canal to Armley Mills.

We'll take a break at the half-way point for refreshments at Temple Newsam Park tea rooms. Bring a puncture repair kit or spare inner tube just in case, and dress for the weather.

We ride at a pace to suit all riders' abilities and no-one gets left behind!

NB: Some of the canal and river paths on this route are rough and uneven and will be muddy after wet weather, and there are a couple of short gravelly sections so MTB bikes or hybrids with MTB tyres are preferable. We cross the canal at Skelton Grange bridge using the new steps (with bike ramp) - ride leaders can assist if required.