Cookridge to Golden Acre Park (North West Leeds) (The End) (1 mile) - 1st July 2018

Must turn right on the Leeds Country Way! 

Reminding myself I must turn right, I must turn right...I caught the No. 6 bus from the bus station to Cookridge.  Had to follow the stops online on my phone as I've never travelled by bus on that route.  Reached Cookridge and got off OK and headed towards Pinfold Lane and picked up the Leeds Country Way route.  I reached the crucial junction and seeing people I turned right, right indeed.  Passed the Old Rushes Farm and sought reassurances with some passerbys.  

Going in the right direction!

I reached Breary Marsh Nature Reserve and followed the edge of the wood towards Golden Acre Park.  I eventually crossed the broadwalk and metal bridge and saw the coveted Leeds Country Way signpost!  The very signpost when I began my first walk on the Leeds Country Way!  I did it!  Celebrated my achievement with lunch at the Park's lovely cafe.

Walking the Leeds Country Way has been a great experience and got to see a lot of Leeds and surrounding areas' green belts - the woods (some I've never heard of prior), the becks, the countryside and so on.

One criticism must be the overgrown paths on some of the stretches and the poor signage as well which result me in getting lost and had to re-walk some of the stretches to be on track.  Anyway a highly recommended trail and no regrets.  I encourage many to do the 100 km/62 mile walking trail and yes do it in summer for a minimum muddy experience! 

Made it!

Rawdon to Bramhope (North West Leeds) (7 miles) - 24th June 2018

The final walk?

The final walk or is it?  Didn't know the answer at the time I've got off the 33 bus at Rawdon and continued on the Leeds Country Way.  At the beginning it was very overgrown in parts - I don't think many walk the trail, particularly this stretch, which is a shame.  Reached Hunger Hills Woods in Horsforth, a lovely wooded area, and got lost.  Ended up on Lee Lane West and had to retrace my steps back to the woods and on course.  Again the signage is poor and I was certain I took a massive diversion around the university campus off Brownberrie Lane.  

  

The Leeds Country Way

Rejoined the trail after passing the campus and via Wheastone Plantation Wood where I crossed farmland and the Airport landing lights to a village called Scotland.  More farmland walking towards Cookridge via crossing the railway bridge. 

With the end in sight so I thought I turned on Pinfold Lane in Cookridge.  The mistake I made is straight on towards Bramhope instead of turning right towards Breary Marsh.  I think the map I had is deceptive with its short packed description of the route.  Too hot to continue I called it a day and made my way to the bus stop for the bus (X84) back to Leeds.  There was a nearby cafe but closed its door earlier than the closing time!  "The end" would have to wait until the following week!

Cookridge, The Leeds Country Way

Should have turn right instead of straight on!