Hunger Hills Woods

Hunger Hills is located on the western side of the Horsforth, a town 5-miles north-west of Leeds city centre.

Horsforth previously held the title of the UK’s largest village, before it joined the metropolitan borough of Leeds in 1974.

Walking

There are three trail routes – mainly circular – within the dense flora of the Hunger Hills area. As the name suggests the area sits on a hillside so expect a bit of up and down climb. Under-foot these routes are mainly dirt and rock so you’ll need some solid footwear to walk them comfortably.

The best bits about these trail walks are they intersect with one another so don’t expect the route to be clear. This one’s a bit of an adventure!

Running

Although the trails within the Hunger Hills are a decent challenge for any runner we wouldn’t recommend just running these alone. To clock a couple of miles combine a run to and from Horsforth Hall Park. The park space is open and perfect for looping. There’s also a Japanese garden to wonder around and take a breather in!

For the full route head to Great Runs.

Friends of Hunger Hills

Friends of Hunger Hills are a community group that work to improve the Hunger Hills woodland. Part of this work includes creating new perimeter paths, improving drainage, litter picking and installing bird boxes and benches.

To find out when the group are meeting next meeting head to the Friends of Facebook page.

Bat Watch

The Friends of Hunger Hills group regularly host a family bat watch using super digital bat detectors. Families are welcome to join the walk, talks and bat watches.

Picnic

The hills on the eastern side of the Hunger Hills break out into wide open fields that slope down towards Horsforth. This area is perfect for pitching up with a picnic and admiring the views south-east towards Leeds city centre.

Sunset

On the edge of Hunger Hills there are several bench spots that look west towards Rawdon and Calverley. These spots make for a seat with a stunning view at sundown. With the sun setting into the west it’s easy to forget you’re in Leeds with views that look more like the Yorkshire dales.

The Hunger Hills name originally comes from the Norse word ‘Hangra’ meaning a wooded hill. Historically the hillside was dug to extract coal. There are original bell pits on the hill that have been covered up for safety.

After the hill was exhausted of coal in 1785, the earthworks owner – capitalist W S Stanhope – sought to plant 3,000 saplings to create a scenic woodland. Naturally the wooded area has naturally generated and multiplied creating what is now known as Hunger Hills, or locally as the Bluebell Wood.

The nearest toilet to Hunger Hills is a 10-minute walk away at the Malt Brewhouse off Long Row.

There are several bins off the Hall Lane entrance of Hunger Hills.

The Brownlee Arms is a modern gastropub that serves up some great food and drink. Named in honour of the Brownlee brothers, this pub is full of Yorkshire pride! The Brownlee Arms is a 10-minute walk from Hunger Hills.

Park for free next to Hall Park on Hall Lane, LS18 5JF (Google Map Directions) and enter the hills via the southern entrance opposite the park playground.

Hunger Hills is not accessible to a wheelchair user. It may not be the easiest with a pushchair. Some areas are fairly steep and can become slippery after rainfall.