We are the Take a Hike Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Lindsay G.
Short Summary: Starting at East Garforth train station, we’ll walk a mixture of off-road (firm) and tarmac paths into the Temple Newsam estate and then onto Crossgates train station where the walk will end. There will then be a lunch option for those that wish (see detailed description below).
Detailed Summary: From East Garforth we will walk 0.5 miles to the start of ‘The Linesway’, now a path that was formerly a railway line servicing the coal pits. We’ll then walk a mostly off-road route on firm paths for a further 5 miles until we reach Temple Newsam courtyard, where we’ll stop for toilets (and to pick up snacks/drinks from the cafe for anyone that wants them). From here it’s just another 2 miles to Crossgates train station. The walk will end here, and people can either get a direct train back to East Garforth to their cars, or to Leeds/York/Selby via train or bus. For those that wish, there will be the option to head to the Barnbow pub in Crossgates for lunch (including carvery option)- pre-booking required - please contact walk leader to reserve a place. We expect the walk to finish 12.45-1pm, so plan to book a table for 1.15pm.
Meet: East Garforth train station (at the bottom of the ramp down from platform 2). If arriving on the north side of the tracks, there is a footbridge across to Platform 2. Arrive by bus, train or car to this location.
Things to note and risks:
There was not much mud on this route during the early January Recce, but there may be the odd puddle/boggy patch.
Dogs are welcome on the walk, but not in The Barnbow pub.
A short section of the route (approx 0.25) is along a quiet-ish country road with no footpath (only narrow grass verge).
There are no toilets at either East Garforth or Crossgates stations (if driving to East Garforth you might want to stop at Tesco on Aberford Road to use their facilities).
There is free parking along Woodlands Drive (no restrictions on weekends) to the south of East Garforth train station or anywhere along Sturton Lane and side roads on the north side of the tracks. Both East Garforth and Crossgates stations are stops on the Leeds to York/Selby/Hull train line. The 163 bus from Leeds or Castleford stops at East Garforth station on the south side, and the 19/19A bus from Leeds stops at East Garforth station on the north side.
Both East Garforth and Crossgates stations are stops on the Leeds to York/Selby/Hull train line. In addition, 164/165 and 56 buses go from near Crossgates train station back to Leeds city centre.
