Meandering to Eccup

This is a 30 mile ride with 1850’ of climbs, though after Old Hollins Hill they are all more forgiving, that gives us the chance to see the water levels at Eccup reservoir.
Whilst mainly a road ride there are significant sections of off road and traffic free/lite on the canal from Shipley, then through Eccup and Leeds Grammar School plus through Woodlands on a different track to usual and finally at Apperley Bridge. The surfaces are all good but road bikes might struggle.
We leave Shipley on the canal before turning off to go through Esholt and up Old Hollins Hill. We go through Guiseley and Yeadon Tarn before passing under the airport flightpath and making our way to Bramhope. We duck and dive to minimize main road exposure before passing round Golden Acre Park en route to Eccup village and reservoir. We circle The Grammar School at Leeds on tracks before turning back through Alwoodley, Adel and Lawnswood to reach our lunch stop in Horsforth at approx 2/3rds distance. We take the busyish road past Leeds Trinity University and head for the private road of Woodlands but we follow Underwood Drive for a change which is traffic, and asphalt free. Apperly Bridge comes next, and again we duck and dive to avoid traffic before heading back to Shipley via Windill And Thackley Old Roads.

We will stop at Haus of Coffee in Horsforth. A regular stop with inside and outside seating and bike stands across the road.There are alternatives in Adel but they catered for a different market and did not seem veggie/vegan focussed.

Helmets are a must as is some hi-vis outerwear. Make sure you have a spare inner tube at least and that your brakes, tyres etc are in good condition. Check that the British Cycling website has up to date personal and emergency contact details.

We never leave anyone behind