The Kingdom of Elmet (Near A1/A64/Leeds) - 9.5 miles

Second run-out for this walk. A straightforward, undemanding walk through the countryside close to Leeds. We start from the large village of Barwick-in-Elmet, which is situated just three miles from the A1/A64 junction.

The route links Barwick, Scholes, Aberford & Potterton as we walk along quiet roads, country tracks, field crossings, access tracks & woodland trails as well as the Parlington Estate and with several interesting points along the way.

The walk will be led at a steady pace: not too fast, not too slow. Please be ready to start walking at the advertised time.

Walk fee: £3. No dogs please. Bring packed lunch/drink/snacks with you.

Start point: meet outside the Gascoigne Arms on Main Street close to the village maypole. Postcode is LS15 4JQ.

Parking: roadside parking primarily along Main Street, Carrfield Road (off Main Street) and Elmwood Lane (the road that runs behind/parallel to the pub/our meeting point). Please note there are sections along Main Street that either have double yellow lines or limited parking time.

After-walk refreshment at the Gascoigne Arms, the nicer of the two village pubs (I recce’d them both for you!). Sorry but the café closes at 2pm!

Background info:
Elmet was one of a number of small independent British kingdoms to emerge during the so-called Dark Ages between the end of Roman rule and the conquering of southern Britain in AD560 by the Saxon King Edwin. At the height of its powers the kingdom included most of present-day West Yorkshire and extended from the river Humber in the east to the Pennine hills in the west. Whilst it is known that Elmet was a realm of some importance, there is little solid archaeological evidence for its existence, apart from a series of defensive earthworks.

I have no formal walk leader or first-aid qualifications and the Group does not have insurance. When you RSVP for any walk, you accept that you remain responsible for your own safety at all times. You are required to respect the walk leader and be mindful of the safety of others. Please keep to the pace of the group and don’t go off ahead even if you think you know the route.