Lodge Wood

Lodge Wood is 19 acres in size. The patch of woodland is a half a mile north east of Calverley and 10-miles from the centre of Leeds. It follows the bend of the Leeds Liverpool canal.

It’s all about getting closer to nature at Lodge Wood. Here’s what we recommend you check out:

Flora

The woodland has left its mark. Walking through the dense woodland you’ll clock some beautiful trees. From twisted beech to gnarled oak trees and lots in-between including: horse chestnut, sycamore, rowan, birch and holly. While close to the canal edge you can enjoy a bright blue smattering of native blue bells.

Wildlife

Lodge Wood is a natural habitat for wildlife because it has lush vegetation and lots of trees. When strolling through keep an eye out for blackbirds, robins, wood pigeons, wrens, jays and blackcaps. While walkers have been lucky to spot the more elusive shrews and moles, and even roe deer bounding around the wood.

Lodge Wood Pond

As mysterious goes Lodge Wood Pond is up there. Stumbling through the woodland you’ll come across this secluded pond bang in the middle of the wood. Picture an autumnal morning with a layer of mist rising from the water and you’ll get the mysteriousness. Ponds are home to diverse wildlife, particularly algae and aquatic plants. Bring a net and tray and go pond dipping!

Leeds Liverpool Canal Walk

This canal walk actually starts at Kirkstall Forge station which is 3 miles to the east of Lodge Wood. The walk passes by Lodge Wood on the canal and is the halfway point for this walk all the way to Saltaire. If you do the whole thing you will pass by other pleasant places in-between like Rodley Nature Reserve, Dawson Wood and Buck Wood. Check out the full route over at Confidentials.

Canal Swing Bridge

Just outside of Lodge Wood on the canal is the canal swing bridge. This special piece of ingenuity allows boats and walkers to cross or pass by this lovely spot. Whether it’s open or closed to you is a lottery. If it is open you can access the canal from Lodge Wood.

Canal Running

For the runners that want to test the trails of the woods out you can extend your run with some out and back routes on the canal. We recommend you set some visual or numerical milestones so you don’t venture too far from Lodge Wood.

Canal Cycling

From Lodge Wood you can go a lot further on two wheels. Use the canal to cruise east towards Leeds city centre or west towards Shipley and Saltaire. It would be rude not to stop for a drink on the way!

Within the depths of Lodge Wood is the woodland grounds of an old Victorian House that still has lots of bits and pieces ready to seek out in the thicket.

On the edge of Lodge Wood is Lodge Farm. It’s 236 acres of land that’s used for cattle grazing and forage making.

Dog and rubbish waste bins are provided in Lodge Wood. Your closest toilet to Lodge Wood is The Thornville Pub.

Just down the road from Lodge Wood is the food and drink comforts of Calverley. The Thornville is a comfy haunt for those afternoons that call for a drink in front of the roaring log fire. The 17th-century pub also dishes up some satisfying comfort food.

Another great option close by to Lodge Wood is Calverley Fish Shop. Grab a portion of some quality fish and chips and take it on your walk through the woods.

Park for free on the residential road of Thornhill Drive, just around the corner from Lodge Wood.

• Thornville Drive, postcode: LS28 5QW (Google Map Directions)

The wood is accessible by pushchair and wheelchair but be mindful of the uneven surface on some of the trails.

Taxi

Travel to Lodge Wood by taxi will take you around 25-minutes in good time.

Bus

The quickest journey – 45 minutes approx – by bus is via the number 60 Aireline from Leeds city centre. You can catch the 60 on the hour. The bus stops just before the Thornhill Drive entrance.