Chilled Out Walk: Leeds to Armley Parks (Temple Newsam/Cross Gates replacement)

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 walk starts off with a walk down Kirkstall Road before crossing the canal to go up to Armley Park. We'll take a break in the 'secret' rose garden before heading up to the next green space - Cabbage Hill where we can enjoy panoramic views over Leeds. From there, busses run nearby back into Leeds or we can do the return journey on foot.

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: Cabbage Hill in Armley
• Distance: Approx 5 miles one way. Some attendees might do the reverse walk back into Leeds, the more direct route is around 3 miles.
• Challenge: The section from the canal onwards is gradually uphill all the way to the finishing point, meaning the walk feels longer than the length suggests. There are some relatively steep sections, but we will stop to take as many breaks as necessary to ensure everyone keeps up with the group without busting a lung. As always, the pace will be kept relaxed.
• Clothing: Most of the route is on hard ground, but some sections in the park can become muddy if there has been a lot of rain recently, so swap out trainers for boots if this is the case. Weather in June is generally warm and humid so dress to stay cool, but bring waterproofs if there is a chance of rain on the day.
• Afterwards: If staying in Armley, there are a number of parks, shops and pubs near the end point. Otherwise, we could go for a drink back in Leeds city centre.

Travel Options

• Return Walk: The walk back is optional and the host won't be joining if you wish to do this. You can reduce the walk back by about a mile by directly cutting through Armley Park down to the canal, or reduce it by two miles by walking near main roads.
• Public Transport: Busses heading back into Leeds from near the end point come every 15 minutes or so. Unfortunately there is no train station nearby.
• 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 £2-3 per hour. Alternatively, leave your car on the residential streets near Cabbage Hill, get a bus into Leeds, and it will be waiting for you at the end of the walk,

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.