Post Hill

Tucked between Pudsey and Farnley on an impressive hillside, this beauty spot has slipped the attention of Loiners not familiar with the suburbs of West Leeds. Post Hill is a hidden gem for the majority of the city.

The uniqueness of Post Hill is the layers of beauty it possesses. Entering through the Wood Lane entrance – in spring – you’re greeted with paths and trails that diverge through meadows of wild garlic adjoining the waterway and woodland carpeted with bluebells.

Pudsey Beck runs below, splitting the furthest bottom part of Post Hill away. As you rise the canopy gives way to grey carved rock protruding up from the ground; a remnant of its quarry days. Reaching the summit of the hill the stone becomes a shade of dark red and for a moment you’re transported to a desert far away.

The hillside is one of the highest points in the local area with views on offer across West Leeds. It is possible to see “old Anna”, then former Trinity Chapel and Pudsey Parish Church from this point.

Naturalists

Post Hill is a naturalist’s home. The Beck water way is bustling with an array of birds, including: Mallards, Kingfishers, Grey Wagtails, Water Rails, and Grey Herons. Brown Trout and Mayfly are breeding in the waters and Newts are found in the still water ponds. Observation is as far as it goes as fishing is strictly prohibited by Leeds City Council.

The woodlands are home to Roe Deer and to various species of birds, such as the Great Spotted Woodpecker and the Tawny Owl, as well as several species of bat, among them the Leisler’s Bat.

Most of Post Hill is covered in Oak-Birch woodland, in the southern part there are stretches of semi-natural ancient woodland that has trees dating back to the 16th century. Seven tree species include oak, birch, ash, hawthorn, hazel, yew, and field maple can be identified. The meadows and sparse grasslands are brimming with wildflowers, including: Bird’s Foot Trefoil, Oxeye Daisies, Autumn Hawkbit, Tansy, and Red Clover.

Photography

The diverse beauty of Post Hill makes it an ideal place to take pictures of nature. We can guarantee that any budding photographers will come away with a decent cache of shots!

Walking

Post Hill is a great place for a walk. The nature trail of about 2 miles is routed through the site, but we recommend going off-piste with an adventure on one of the numerous unmarked woodland trails – this way you’ll stumble on the beauty hidden within the layers of Post Hill.

Running

If you are looking to go running near you, Post Hill is the place to visit. The demanding gradient and free flowing trails make it an interesting and challenging place to run.

Leeds Run Routes have put together a great 10km run route which takes you on a tour of Post Hill, Nan Whins Wood and the surrounding area.

Local running club the Pudsey Pacers have created a popular event for the Leeds running calendar. The  Pacers Post Hill trail race incorporates the mammoth hill twice over and takes in the best trails on offer. Booking is advised for the November event as it regularly sells out.

Motorcycle and Mountain Bike

The hill started out as a place for motorcycle enthusiasts to hold their nerve on a climb that keeps on going… and going… and going for 527 feet. Since the televised scrambling on the BBC screen stopped decades ago; West Leeds Motor Club are keeping the flame alive with trials and races on a yearly basis. Visit their site to find out more about membership and entry to these events.

For those that like their travel a little slower on two wheels, Post Hill is a good place for novice mountain bikers. The downhill routes, wide open trails and woodland single-track link creatively with the abundance of beaten tracks to make something more interesting.

Climbing

Hidden in the trees towards the top of the hill are three separate Gritstone crags left from an old quarry. There is a mixture of bouldering and single pitch climbing, most with good top outs and flat landings. Most climbs are well protected with plenty of crimpy hand holds and crack lines to follow.

Dog Walking

Dogs are allowed to be walked at Post Hill, both on and off the lead. It won’t take you long to complete the marked 2 mile trail. Even with a dog walking at a slow pace you’re able to get round in an hour. Dogs love the woods because they are not only filled with other dogs but there is also a lot of open space and grassy areas to run around. On hot days the Pudsey Beck is a necessity for your pet; the running water is a perfect place for your feline friend to rehydrate.

The name of the area originates from the newspaper Yorkshire Evening Post who acquired the land and sponsored motorcycle speed and climbing events on the site from 1926; drawing crowds of over 20,000 . The western aspect of Post Hill – laid with a cobbled track – was said to be “the steepest hill climb in the world”.

During World War II Post Hill was the location of a POW (prisoner of war) camp. Italian and German prisoners were held to work on farms in the surroundings. The camp also housed two anti-aircraft guns with the concrete bunker structures surviving well into the 1980s, these have since been demolished.

There are plenty of dog waste bins provided along the route, to help keep the area as tidy as possible. With normal waste bins at both ends of the park. There are no toilets on site.

For those that need a quick refreshment or bite to eat the nearest place is McDonalds in Bramley. In a car you’ll do it in a couple of minutes on the ring road going south. At Discover Leeds we like pushing the boat out a little more. A longer excursion into neighbouring Pudsey will deliver something a little more traditional. 7 Steps boasts dining “built on experience – crafted with passion”. The food is British grub with a modern twist and a choice of local ales or cutting edge cocktails. If you’re just passing through and a full on dining experience isn’t what you’re after, why not get a quick fix of fish and chips at The Bearded Sailor.

North of the ring road from Pudsey is Farsley. This up and coming suburb of Leeds isn’t left wanting when it comes to good food. Travelling up Old Road you will come across five restaurants – in 500 metres – that serve up Italian, Greek, Turkish, Indian and British food. One of our picks is Deeva – a contemporary take on Indian cuisine.

Or if you want a really short journey to get some food then head east to Tong Road in New Farnley and check out Beulah Bistro – lots of good British themed grub in a quirky environment.

If you are looking for parking at Post Hill, there are several options.

Our first pick would be the small bay-like parking area just off of the Wood Lane road entrance – our recommended starting point for your visit. The postcode for this car park is LS12 5ST (Google Map link). It has space for up to 10 cars maximum and there is no parking charge or time limit.

There is also on street parking slightly further away if this is full, we would pick either:

• Greenmoor Avenue – postcode LS12 5ST (Google Map link)
• Sandstone Drive – postcode LS12 5SU (Google Map link)

Both of these roads are only a short walk from Post Hill.

• No wheelchair accessible entrance.
• No tarmacked paths, only trails. A more robust pushchair is recommended.