Chilled Out Walk: Leeds to Temple Newsam & Cross Gates

Chilled Out Walks are easy going walks where you can get to know new people whilst improving fitness. We generally meet in Leeds City Centre for easy access from bus and train connections, and go for a drink or coffee after the main event.
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Please note, 13:00 is when we set off, so you should arrive for 12:45 at the latest to ensure you don't miss the group. Any type of transport is sensitive to delays, especially busses and trains, so don't get the last service which would make you late if its cancelled and consider arriving early and getting a drink whilst you wait.

This is another walk stitching together two routes I've previously really enjoyed into one - starting along the East section of the canal, going around Skelton Lake, all the way through the grounds of Temple Newsam and then up through the suburbs of Cross Gates until we reach the train station. From there we will take a short train ride back into Leeds. Along there's a mix of waterways, forests, open fields and architecture both (very) old and new. This should be quite an adventure.

Meeting Point

• Location: City Square under the horse statue. This is directly next to the train station and 10 minutes walking from the bus station.
• Time: Please arrive by 12:45 PM. We will set off at 1:00 PM sharp.
• Latecomers: If you're running late, please inform Kris before 1:00 PM so we can wait for a few minutes. If we haven't seen or heard from you by 1:00 PM, we'll assume you won't be attending.

Walk Details

• Destination: Cross Gate Rail Station, with stop offs at Skelton Lake Services and the Temple Newsam shop/cafe. It's a short train ride from Cross Gates back to the centre of Leeds where we started.
• Distance: 8.5 miles. Leeds to Skelton Lake Services is 5 miles. The next section to Temple Newsan is 1.5 miles. The final section to Cross Gates station makes up the rest at 2 miles. There are busses back into Leeds from Skelton Lake and Temple Newsam if you want to cut the route early.
• Challenge: The walk is almost all on flat ground. The last section is gradually uphill but nothing too exhausting. This is the longest route we've done so far so I understand if you want to finish early, but you should come to the start point, we will not be able to meet anyone separately along the way.
• Clothing: From what I recall this route is almost all on hard ground though some of the paths might be worse for wear and puddles can form if it rained recently. Whilst I don't think you need boots for this, leave the brand new, fashion statement Nikes at home and bring a comfortable pair of trainers. This is taking place at, on average, the hottest part of the year so plan to bring cool, loose fitting clothing, however with our weather being what it is also plan to bring weatherproofs if ncessary.
• Post-Walk: Cross Gates is a busy town centre with plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants near the train station. Of course, there's also the option to get food/drinks after getting the train back in Leeds. There's no specific plans and it's up to what the group wants to do.

Travel Options

• Return Walk: If you really want to do the return walk back into Leeds the most direct route from Cross Gates is around 5 miles.
• Bus: There are bus services between Cross Gates and Leeds as an alternative to the train. Busses also run from near Skelton Lake Services and Temple Newsam if you're cutting the route short.
• Car: Parking in Leeds City Centre is best done at the various multi-storey car parks which have plenty of room at the weekend. Prices are quite expensive, expect to pay around £2 per hour. If you would rather leave your car at the end point of the walk, there are some paid car parks in the centre of Cross Gates which aren't too expensive, or you can find free on-street parking within a 5 minute walk of the train station.

This event is weather-dependent, please check back here for updates before setting off. In the case of severe rain, the walk will be rescheduled to a later date. However, light, infrequent rain will not delay the event. If you have concerns about weather, message the host directly who will take care of communicating any information to the group.