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.
New regulations are set to be put into place as part of the Briggate Action Plan.
Proposals for the plan, aimed at making some of the city centre’s busiest areas safer for everyone, received a huge amount of support during a public consultation last year.
Since then, the council have been drawing up the necessary regulations and signage, with the new rules now due to officially come into place over the next few months.
Once implemented, the action plan will mean a requirement to walk bicycles and e-bikes within the city centre’s pedestrianised shopping area from 10.30am until 8pm every day.
That means no surprise bicycles will try and run you over as you're doing your shopping, hooray!
The action plan will also introduce prohibitions around certain street trading activities in targeted areas, including mobile street traders.
Extended restrictions will be put into place during major city centre events including Leeds Pride, Light Night Leeds and the Leeds Christmas Market.
Anyone breaking the new rules could be given a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council, said: “The city centre welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and our aim is for every one of them to have the best and safest possible experience of Leeds.
“Through this action plan, we’ve taken important and meaningful steps to address issues which the public have consistently told us were impacting their enjoyment of the city centre whilst also creating potential safety issues for shoppers and pedestrians.
“With these new regulations in place, our hope is that both day-to-day visits and major events will now be even more enjoyable, successful and welcoming.”
The new restrictions on pedlars are expected to be in place from Thursday 1 October, with restrictions on bikes in pedestrianised areas due to be in place by the end of the year.
Huge new two-storey late-night venue with beer hall and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
A new late-night venue is set to open in Leeds city centre.
And luckily for us, we don't have long to wait.
Introducing Klubhaus, a new venue by The Bierkeller brand that will open its doors on Friday 30 October on Merrion Street in Leeds city centre.
Combining a whole host of things, Klubhaus will feature drinks, games, and its very own beer hall on the top floor.
'The Bier Hall' will offer your classic Bierkeller-style benches alongside a huge stage and vast dance floor, perfect for events and live DJs.
Elsewhere in the two-storey venue, there will be two bars and plenty of games including dart boards, pool tables, and Bierkeller's popular ‘Spin the Wheel’ game where customers are given the chance to spin a large wheel behind each bar to unlock discounts and offers.
Dave Howarth, Brand Manager of The Bierkeller said: “Klubhaus is an exciting Bierkeller concept, and Leeds is the perfect city for a more drinks-led, late-night version of the brand.
“With two floors, two bars and The Bier Hall, we've built a venue on Merrion Street designed for the perfect night out.”
Considering the location, we've got a feeling this will do very well for those who prefer to party at the top of town on Merrion Street.
And with the prospect of bagging yourself a free drink from the mysterious wheel...who could resist?
You can have a look at what to expect via the Klubhaus by Bierkeller website here.
Georgina Pellant -
30th August 2021 
