Fortunately, the final day of my four day Manchester to Leeds walk, from Wakefield – Leeds dawned fine and clear, much better than forecasted.
I left Wakefield and picked up the Trans Pennine Trail on the edge of the city centre.
Passing the city’s cathedral, with an impressive spire, a current or former Freemason’s Lodge (with the watchful eye of a CCTV camera right above the crest) and the super distinctive flats on the southern approach to the city centre.
The route wended it’s way through Wakefield’s eastern suburbs towards the Calder and Hebble Navigation. Grand views back towards the city centre occasionally hoving into sight.
Reaching the very edge of the city, I came upon coal country at last. The distinctive sign of a pitwheel marooned on a grass verge.
Just beyond this lies the Heble and Calder Navigation. I made my way down to the towpath and walked the short distance to Stanley Ferry.
Here, in the eastern reaches of Wakefield District, the Wacky Warehouse where the “fancy” birthday parties were held during my 1990s childhood is still going strong.
Next, still on the Trans Pennine Trail, my route took in a pleasant stretch of the Wakefield Way. Winding through Yvette Cooper country.
Next I was looking for a large warehouse.
These ones.
But especially this one. Always curious to see what the cutting edge of capitalism looks like in practice.
Right behind the Amazon warehouse runs the M62. This marks the boundary between Wakefield and Leeds. Halfway across, administrively speaking, I had “made it” but to get to Leeds City Station (mirroring Manchester Picadilly where I started) I had another 8 miles to go. So not quite halfway.
Beyond the M62, heading into Leeds District, I went cross country, rejoining the Trans Pennine Trail walkers’ route.
Saw my first City of Leeds signpost.
Then, continued to the Leeds commuter village of Woodlesford.
Which this being election season, had a mild infestation of LibDem election signboards. For some it’s as if 2010-15 never happened.
I picked up the Aire Navigation just below the village and began walking into Leeds.
As ever the towpath style track made for easy walking, in no time I was under the M1.
From there I picked my way along a bit more towpath, then roads, to Leeds city centre. Where I did a final short stretch down the Aire.
Then past the iconic Unite offices and the Corn Exchange.
Then to Leeds Central Station and the end of the walk.
And into the station wetherspoons for a celebration alcohol free German wheat beer.
So that’s a wrap. What a varied few days, visting parts of northern England I mostly had not been to before. Grueling but worth it, a great counterpart to my Sheffield to Manchester walk. Maybe next time (though non of it is in the Midlands) I will walk from Leeds to Sheffield and finish the triangle…
Get the route: via Ordnance Survey Maps or download the GPX. file
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