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The Meanwood Valley is the ‘green artery’ of Leeds, bringing rural countryside into the heart of the city. Running from Meanwood up though Adel Woods and finishing at Golden Acre Park, where it connects to the Leeds Country Way.

This 7 mile trail is a great way to explore the Meanwood Valley Local Nature Reserve. Discover some of the highlights of the cultural and natural history whilst walking the valley.

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Map of Meanwood Valley Trail

Use the map below to follow the route for the Meanwood Valley Trail. Press the GPS button on the top right corner of the map to see your location.

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Where does the Meanwood Valley Trail start?

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.

How long is the Meanwood Valley Trail?

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.

How long does it take to walk the Meanwood Valley Trail?

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.

Is the Meanwood Valley Trail Signposted?

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.

Meanwood Valley Trail Owl Badge and Permissive Path signpost

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!

Can you run the Meanwood Valley Trail?

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!

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Photos of Meanwood Valley Trail

  • Queen Victoria Statue at the start of Meanwood Valley Trail on Woodhouse Moor
  • Henry Rowland Marsden Statue at the start of Meanwood Valley Trail on Woodhouse Moor
  • Cathcart Street, the first road for the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Rampart Road, leading alongside Woodhouse Moor
  • Delphi Lane, leading towards Woodhouse Ridge
  • End of Delphi Lane, looking to Woodhouse Ridge for the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Entrance to Woodhouse Ridge for the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Steps down into Woodhouse Ridge for the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Muddy path through Woodhouse Ridge
  • Art and Graffiti in the middle of Woodhouse Ridge
  • Muddy path through Woodhouse Ridge along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • A view over Meanwood from Woodhouse Ridge along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • First footpath in far Headingley for the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Grove Lane Pond in Spring along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Small ginnel or footpath behind houses along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • First glimpse of the Meanwood Beck along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Footpath between Meanwood Allotments along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Small bridge onto the footpath behind Meanwood Park
  • Entrance to Meanwood Park, first stop along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Quick pit stop at the Three Cottages Cafe in Meanwood Park along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Front view of the Three Cottages Cafe in Meanwood Park along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Bridge over Meanwood Beck in Meanwood Park. Part of the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Meanwood Beck in Meanwood Park along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Small bridge out of Meanwood Park along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Small waterfall under the path to the Hollies along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Small footpath to the Hollies from Meanwood Park along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Muddy path from Meanwood Park along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Road along houses outside of Meanwood Park along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Collection of small streams from Meanwood Beck along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Footpath through Scotland Wood along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Meanwood Beck in Scotland Wood in autumn along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Path through Adel wood along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Looking down towards the Seven Arches bridge along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Seven Arches bridge along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • A muddy Slavering Baby spring along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Muddy path through Adel Woods along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Abandoned bunker in Adel Woods along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Abandoned building in Adel Woods along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Small pond in Adel Woods along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Adel Wood car park
  • Crossing the road from Scotland Wood to Adel Wood along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Bike jumps in Scotland Wood
  • Meanwood Valley Trail Signpost
  • Walk across a field along the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Cross King Lane to get to footpath for the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Footpath along King Lane for the Meanwood Valley Trail
  • Final stretch of footpath for the Meanwood Valley Trail heading to Golden Acre Park
  • Route map for the Meanwood Valley Trail
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What to wear to walk the Meanwood Valley Trail?

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.

Meanwood Valley Trail Art

This beautiful walk is inspiration for a lot of artwork across Leeds. Hand drawn maps, paintings, and photos. If you were to visit Left Bank you would be likely to see a piece in the entrance.

Leeds based artist Zacrosso painted the bridge crossing Meanwood Beck in Meanwood Park. Get it on Etsy.

Painting of Meanwood Park bridge on Meanwood Valley Trail by Zacrosso

Can you cycle the Meanwood Valley Trail?

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!

What animals are along the trail?

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!

Meanwood Valley Trail Parking

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.

Food and Drink along the Meanwood Valley Trail?

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).

Where to stay near the Meanwood Valley Trail?

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!

Where are toilets along the Meanwood Valley Trail?

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.

Have a question? Want something adding?

Would you like something to be added to this website to help in the future? Have a tip about a particular area?

Maybe you have a more specific question. Ask us, or let us know so we can help and improve the site.

Send an email to: hello@discoverleeds.co.uk.