Meanwood Valley Trail

The trail begins at the statue of the former Leeds mayor Henry Rowland Marsden on Woodhouse Moor (Hyde Park). Just around the corner from the University of Leeds. From here it passes down Delph Lane and into Woodhouse Ridge.

The total distance of the Meanwood Valley Trail is 7 miles or 11km. It can be split into sections if time is of the essence.

These sections are:

1. Woodhouse Moor to Meanwood Park - 2 miles
2. Meanwood Park to Seven Arches - 2 miles
3. Seven Arches to Golden Acre Park - 3 miles

Each section gives a slightly different view of the valley.

At a standard pace it can take around 2 hours. However the length of time it would take to walk the Meanwood Valley Trail really depends on how fast you walk it, and the time of year.

It is worth considering the weather, as if it has been raining parts of the trail are very muddy. This will significantly slow the pace, and there will be lots of jumping from rock to rock.

However, we would also suggest factoring in food and drink breaks. Scotland Wood is a great place for a food break. Sat amongst the trees with a sandwich can be quite peaceful.

The Meanwood Valley Rangers have done a great job in signposting almost the whole of the trail. Look out for the blue circular badge with a white owl on wooden posts. Usually paired with a green 'Permissive Path' badge and arrow.

Keep a look out for these and you shouldn't have a problem.

If you do, the map above paired with the GPS functionality should point you in the right direction!

Yes you can run the Meanwood Valley Trail! It is definitely one of the more interesting run routes in Leeds!

Leedsrunroutes.co.uk have put together a 14km running loop of the meanwood valley trail. It passes through much of the beautiful surrounding area, such as meanwood park, golden acre park, and breary marsh. Check out the meanwood valley trail run here.

If you would prefer a circular walk of the Meanwood Valley Trail we would recommend using this route as well!

The choice of clothing really depends on the season. In the summer months the ground tends to be dry for the whole of the route. We would recommend airy clothes and good sturdy shoes or trainers. However, this is England and a spot of rain can change the game!

In spring, autumn and winter it may be worth putting on a few more layers. Walking boots or shoes are essential. From Meanwood Park up until Golden Acre Park can be particularly muddy and slippery. A good pair of boots will provide support for your ankles when going downhill and good grip on slippery or unstable surfaces. A waterproof jacket or coat is also a good idea. There are sections of the route without shelter, and you do not want to be caught when the skys open!

No matter the season, it is always worth taking a backpack with enough water and food for the trip. Although there are food and drink locations on route, they may not always be open.

It is certainly possible to cycle the Meanwood Valley Trail. There are sections of the trail, WoodHouse Ridge, Meanwood Park and the towards Golden Acre Park that would make for a very enjoyable ride.

If you are not an experienced mountain-biker you may want to stear clear of the Adel and Scotland Woods. This is because this middle section can be prone to a lot of mud and some hard to navigate drops, rocks and climbs.

However it is only a relatively short section so don't let us hold you back!

The first half of the trail is a bit more city, so you are likely to only see dogs on walks, and squirrels. This is likely to continue as you move through Woodhouse Ridge.

On the way into Meanwood Park you will pass horses, and a few chickens. And once in Meanwood Park there are a number of birds. Swans, ducks, and the usual woodland pidgeon.

In the later part of the trail you past Scotland wood you walk alongside a farmers field. Here you may come across cows or sheep.

Finally, at Golden Acre Park you are sure to see a number of swans, ducks, geese, and a large number of squirrels!

Depending on where you are wanting to start the route, there are several options for parking your car if you wondering where to park for the Meanwood Valley Trail.

Woodhouse Moor

If you are looking to park at the beginning of the trail, you may have to opt for on street residential parking. There are several spaces down Rampart Road.

Postcode LS6 2NU (Google Map Directions).

Meanwood Park

Meanwood Park has a free to park car park with plenty of spaces. However this does tend to fill up on a sunny weekend.

Postcode LS6 4LE (Google Map Directions).

Adel Woods

The Adel Woods has a free to park car park at a reasonable size and tends to be quiet. It has a height barrier, so it only allows cars and smaller vans.

Postcode LS16 8DR (Google Map Directions).

Golden Acre Park

There are several car parks at Golden Acre Park. Both are free and have a lot of spaces.

• The main car park postcode: LS16 9JY (Google Map Directions)
• Car park off Arthington Road postcode: LS16 8LZ (Google Map Directions)

There are a wide range of places to grab a bite to eat or something to drink along the Meanwood Valley Trail.

Woodhouse Moor

Starting off at the beginning of the trail by Woodhouse Moor, We would suggest one of the following:

LS6 Café

LS6 does a great breakfast or brunch to start your walk off properly. Super friendly little place on Headingley Lane.

Postcode LS6 2AS (Google Map Directions).

Hyde Park Book Club

This would be a great shout if walking the route in the other direction. They do a decent selection of vegan lunches, and a great place to grab a bevvy. More info on Hyde Park Book Club.

Postcode LS6 1BL (Google Map Directions).

Meanwood

Humbl Coffee

Usually located just off Mill Pond Lane in Meanwood. Humbl is an eco-concious mobile coffee house serving a great coffee and a range of vegan/veggie treats. More info on Humbl Coffee.

Postcode LS6 4RA (Google Map Directions).

Myrtle Tavern

Although set off the Meanwood Valley Trail, if you have a spare half an hour we would suggest popping in. It’s been voted one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. More info on Myrtle Tavern.

Postcode LS6 4NE (Google Map Directions).

Three Cottages Café

The Three Cottages Café is a little independent located in the heart of Meanwood Park. They sell a range of house coffees, brunch, lunch, cakes. More info on the Three Cottages Café.

Postcode LS6 4LE (Google Map Directions).

Golden Acre Park

Golden Acre Park Café

Situated at the end of Golden Acre Park, the Café serves wide range of snacks and light lunches and refreshments. More info on the Golden Acre Park Café.

Postcode LS16 8BQ (Google Map Directions).

Looking to stay along the Meanwood Valley Trail? Lets us know if this is something you are interested in (contact form below), and we will add this section to the site!

As the Meanwood Valley Trail passes through or alongside several built up areas, there are a number of places that have toilets. This changes as you reach the third section of the trail. Between Meanwood park and Golden Acre Park there are no toilets. May need to be a nature wee...

Hyde Park

Library Pub

The library pub is situated at the beginning of the Meanwood Valley Trail and has toilets for patrons.

Postcode LS2 3AP (Google Map Directions).

Meanwood

Three Cottages Café

The Three Cottages Café has a toilet for public use.

Postcode LS6 4LE (Google Map Directions).

Adel

Golden Acre Park

Golden Acre Park has public toilets that are occasionally open. These are worth a shot, if not take wander around to the café.

Golden Acre Park Café

Golden Acre Park has a café that has toilets for patrons.