There's not much better than a nice stroll in the countryside on a summer's day.
In fact, the only thing that could make it better is a pub stop-off on the way. Which is why we've gone and put together a selection of the best pub walks in Leeds.
Whether you're after a short spin around a reservoir or a full-on day's hike, we've picked out some of the top walking routes.
Thorner Moor Circular
The entrance to Thorner Moor reservoir complex / Image: Chris Heaton
This 8-mile walk around the charming village of Thorner is not for the faint-hearted but promises some gorgeous sweeping countryside views with a lovely stop off at not one but three pubs: The Fox and Grapes, The Inn at Scarcroft and The Mexborough Arms.
Just 20 minutes from Leeds, start at St Peter’s Church then head east onto Thorner Moor, go to the Fox, then make your way around the circular route: passing the Bramham Park estate, Stubbing Moor and Wothersome Lake, before entering Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve.
From here, follow the route along Thorner Lane to reach The Inn at Scarcroft before finishing off with a pint and some food back in Thorner.
Otley is a popular haunt for walkers, with routes leading out from the centre in all different directions. This circular spans 10 miles, with many traditional pubs and historic landmarks to be spotted along the way.
Start at the bus station car park, heading along the old dismantled railway and past Caley Hall Farm until you reach the famous Caley Crags. From there, head north on to The Dales Way and the village of Eccup - home to a gorgeous reservoir and lovely pub The New Inn.
Head back into Bramhope through the Golden Acre Park and finish with a drink at The Fox and Hounds.
Fewston Reservoir is one of three built in the 1870s in the Washburn Valley near Harrogate / Image: Mike Garratt
A nice and easy route with picturesque views, this circular is only 3.7 miles long and finishes off with a stop at fab little local The Hopper Lane for a nice cold pint.
Start at Fewston Reservoir car park in the village, then make your way around the reservoir taking in the wild flowers as you go before making your way back to Blubberhouses.
This 6.7-mile walk starts at Hawksworth Wood and heads west along the River Aire until you reach Newlay Bridge. There are some gorgeous views to be enjoyed across the river before stopping off at The Abbey Inn for a pint.
From here, you can take the towpath along the Leeds Liverpool Canal to head up to the nature reserve and - if you're still thirsty - The Rodley Barge. Alternatively, carry on under Calverley Bridge to reach The Railway Inn. To make your way back, join the Leeds Country Way at Owl Bridge then walk through Haigh Wood.
Norfolk-based jewellery brand Lisa Angel is opening their first Yorkshire site right here in Leeds.
Jewellery and trinket lovers, this one's for you.
Lisa Angel, a female-founded jewellery and gifting brand will open the doors to its new store in Victoria Gate next month.
Shoppers can expect a wonderful range of jewellery, gifts, and accessories that have established a loyal following during more than twenty years of business.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has only gone from strength to strength since.
Image: Supplied
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
After opening two stores last year and three stores in 2024, Lisa Angel’s founder and Creative Director, Lisa, said: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Managing Director James Moody explained the significance to the business of opening a new store in a city as influential as Leeds: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
We'll keep you up to date when we know an opening date, but for now you can check out what to expect here.
Yorkshire residents are being invited to name two new bin lorries
Clementine Hall
Well...this is a new one.
Ever fancied naming a bin lorry? Well today is your lucky day, because now you can.
Yorkshire-based waste management experts Divert are celebrating the arrival of two swanky new tbin rucks by inviting the local community to help name them.
The iconic purple bins, vans and trucks can be seen across the Yorkshire area helping to clean up waste from Bradford to Harrogate.
Two new lorries are set to be joining the fleet in April and May, and of course they need a name.
And who better to ask than the general public? The winning names will be added to the cabs of each of the trucks for all to see, and announced via the Divert website and social media channels.
Absolutely anyone from across the UK is welcome to take part, but the company are especially keen for people from Yorkshire to enter.
You can be as creative as you like, but there are a couple of rules...
No swearing or offensive names. Aside from that, you can let your freak flag fly.
The Divert team are keen to hear the 'best celebrity puns, local namesakes, and downright silly names' the public have to offer.
John Verity, Managing Director of Divert, comments: “Naming our bin trucks is a great way to bring some joy to the local community. We hope to bring a smile to the faces of passing drivers and pedestrians as our fleet passes by.
“Not only that, naming our lorries can help our drivers to take pride and ownership in the vehicles they drive and be a key reminder of our engagement within the community. We’re always keen to employ any initiatives that help the public to engage with us and ensure we’re seen as a friendly face in the area.”
Winners will be voted for by the team internally, and the competition closes at 5 pm on 31 March 2026.
Georgina Pellant -
30th August 2021 
