Chilled Out Walk: Kirkstall Loop

Chilled Out Walks are easy going walks where you can get to know new people whilst improving fitness. We generally meet in Leeds City Centre for easy access from bus and train connections, and go for a drink or coffee after the main event.

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Please note, 13:00 is when we set off, so you should arrive for 12:45 at the latest to ensure you don't miss the group. Any type of transport is sensitive to delays, especially busses and trains, so don't get the last service which would make you late if its cancelled and consider arriving early and getting a drink whilst you wait.

Visiting Kirkstall Abbey for a walk is a yearly tradition at this point, so let's do it. We'll meet in the normal place and all along the canal up to the ruins to have a break and a sit down. This time, we'll carry on up to Kirkstall Forge where either you can get back onto the canal to walk back into Leeds or take the train back. The Armley and Burley areas of Leeds, if you break off a little early, are also convenient to get to on the walk back.

Meeting Point

• Location: City Square (under the horse statue)
• Time: Please arrive by 12:45 PM. We will set off at 13:00 PM sharp.
• Public Transport: The meeting point is just across from the main train station and nearby to all bus connections.
• Parking: If coming by car, it may be best to leave your car at the free car park at Kirkstall Forge station then take the train into Leeds to meet us. We'll be walking back via the station so your car will be there to drive home! If you prefer to park in the centre, its recommended to use one of the multi-storey car parks, expect to pay £2 - £3 per hour.
• Latecomers: If you're running late, please inform Kris before 1:00 PM so we can wait for a few minutes. If we haven't seen or heard from you by 1:00 PM, we'll assume you won't be attending.
• Alternative Meeting Points: Sorry, our standard group size is too big to arrange a second, later meeting point for some members. Please come to the meeting point at the start time, you can leave the route early if it's more convenient.

Walk Details

• Destination: At least some of us will loop back to the city centre. Alternatively, you can leave early in Kirkstall (busses from the main road and trains from Kirkstall Forge are available) or there are pedestrian connections from the canal heading towards Armley and Burley.
• Distance: Leeds to Kirkstall Forge is about 5 miles. The walk back (if you choose to do it) is more direct so about 4 miles.
• Challenge: Almost all the walk is on flat, paved ground. As always, we will keep the pace relaxed.
• Clothing: Unless we've experienced bad weather coming up to the walk, trainers will be fine. May can be hot or cold, with the possibility of rain, so dress for the expected conditions.
• Afterwards: There's no set plan, if you want to go for a drink, coffee and food there are plenty of places to choose from all across the route.

This event is weather-dependent, please check back here for updates before setting off. In the case of severe rain, the walk will be rescheduled to a later date. However, light, infrequent rain will not delay the event. If you have concerns about weather, message the host directly who will take care of communicating any information to the group.