Wykebeck Woods

Wykebecks woods is an area of ancient wet woodland, south of Roundhay Park and 4 miles from Leeds City Centre. The woods are one of the five nature reserves that make up the Wyke Beck Valley, the largest city owned green Valley in Leeds. The valley is rich in wildlife and green spaces with 12 miles of cycle paths to explore.

Take a walk in Wykebeck Woods

Go for a stroll and stretch your legs amongst the ancient wet woodlands of Wyke Beck Valley. Breathe in the fresh air and marvel at nature and  the scenic views as you follow Wyke beck. Stop for a picnic on the meadow on the hillside, which is particularly beautiful throughout the summer months when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The woodlands are a great breeding ground for birds. Can you spot the song thrush and treecreeper?

Did you know that the freshwater Wyke beck is home to the UK’s only native species of Crayfish. Can you see them in the water? Beware though as removing the protected species from the water is prohibited and comes with a hefty fine.

Take on the Wyke Beck Way

Want to explore some of Leeds’ greenest areas in one day? Take on the Wyke Beck Way.  The route is on the National Cycle Network and follows path 6. A map of the route at Wyke Beck Way can be found here.

The 6.7 mile route (or 13.4 miles if you want to challenge yourself and ride there and back) takes you on a journey from Roundhay Park, one of Europe’s biggest urban parks, through to the grand Temple Newsam Estate. Following the Beck along the way you can take in the scenic views of the Wyke Beck valley and explore the five nature reserves, Wyke Beck Woods, Arthur’s Rein, Killingbeck Fields, Primrose Valley and Halton Moor. The route uses a mix of quiet roads, cycle routes and pathways, so grab your bike and explore.

To find out more about the Wyke Beck Way and other great cycles routes in Leeds and surrounding areas visit the Sustrans website.

Cycling not your thing? Why not run the route instead and take in the beautiful views on your way. Break it down into chunks or challenge yourself to go the full distance.

Become a conservation volunteer

Fancy learning new skills, meeting new people, getting out in nature and looking after the local greenery? Then why not join the Wyke Beck Valley Conservation Volunteers  who meet every Friday to join in with path maintenance, litter picking and hedge planting. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.

Wykebeck woods is an area of historical and archaeological interest. The woods hide remnants of the formal garden of the grand house Asket Hall. The house is believed to have been demolished in the 1960s. Lombardy poplar trees remain, if only they could tell their stories of the past.

As you explore the woods across the Wyke Beck, keep your eyes peeled for the hidden stone weir, Asket Hall bridge and carriage drive and that would have once led you to the grand old house. Admire the old Lombardy poplar trees and ponder about the stories of the past they have stood witness to.

There are no toilet facilities at Wykebeck Woods. There are no bins onsite, please take your rubbish home with you.

Why not make a day of it and grab some food after exploring Wykebeck woods. The suburb of Oakwood is a 5 minute drive away and is teeming with eateries and bars serving up some delicious food and drinks .

Rico’s Restaurant is a family run business serving up Italian cuisine. With a great selection of pizzas, pastas, meat and vegetarian and vegan options paired with fruitful wines, Rico’s lets you experience traditional Italian food whilst in an atmosphere that takes you back to those summer holiday evenings.

If Mexican is more your thing check you Hessian Cantina & Cocina serving up delicious small plates and burritos. The cantina regularly hosts guest food venders, so there’s always something different on the menu to try.

There is no car park at Wykebeck Woods. Limited parking is available roadside in nearby residential streets.

There are surfaced paths and cycle routes running through the nature reserve which can be accessed via entrances on Wetherby Road and Easterly Road. Paths are suitable for wheelchair users, pushchairs and cyclists. Be careful though as some sections of the path may be muddy.

Wykebeck Woods can be reached from Leeds City Centre by following the A58. Travelling by bus? Take the 49, 50 or 50A from Leeds City Centre. Alight at Dib Lane Easterly Road and the woods are a two minute walk. Plan your journey here.