Walks in Gainford
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Gainford on foot.
Walk: Around Colton
An amazing jaunt around Colton and the outskirts of Leeds - all from the Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa. The Route what3words for start point: ///pitch.values.cool Start / Finish Point: Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa, 1150 Century Way, Leeds LS15 8ZB Distance: 6 Miles GPX Route Map walkshirearoundcoltonforthorpeparkhotelandspa-1Download Walk Description Leave the hotel using the pedestrian gate and walk to the roundabout. Turn right onto Century Way and keep to the right hand side of the road until the next roundabout. Turn right slightly and then left to cross over the dual carriageway. Turn right and cross the entrance to the shopping outlet, and then cross over the A63, using the crossing points. Follow the walkway as it rises to the left and continue to follow the path until you reach a junction. Turn right here to cross over the M1 via the footbridge, and continue to follow the path until it meets the end of Barrowby Lane. Turn left down the snicket and cross over the railway carefully using the level crossing. Once across, head left and follow the road called Nanny Goat Lane, which heads underneath the M1 via a tunnel. Turn right, and then left, to walk alongside the boundary of a field. After the first field, carry on, but then turn right along the maked public footpath across Barnbow Common to reach the left side of a manor house. At the two public footpath signs, turn left to walk alongside the boundary of the field. Just at the edge of the row of trees, turn right and follow the path over Cock Beck to reach the end of Ells Lane. Turn left and follow the track through Garforth Golf Course, cross over Barnbow Lane and continue on the track into the woods. As the wood begins to clear, head to the left and follow the line of the field in an arc to reach Manston Lane. Cross over and follow the footpath sign to cross the railway and then onto Barrington Way. Continue on, back onto the footpath and around to the right, keeping the ponds on your right, and then turn left through the row of trees into Barrowby Woods. Cross over Barrowby Lane and head down Barrowby Avenue to the end and turn left to walk along the side of the A6120 Selby Road. At the roundabout, turn left onto Century Way and back to the hotel and spa.
Walk: Around Colton (Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa)
Around the urban Colton, there’s some pretty lovely open spaces, from the Thorpe Park Hotel to the grounds of Temple Newsam. Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa Picture The Route what3words for start point: ///nuns.dizzy.tricks Start Point: Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, 1150 Century Way, Leeds LS15 8ZB Finish Point: Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, 1150 Century Way, Leeds LS15 8ZB Distance: 4 Miles GPX Route Map walkshirearoundcoltonthorpeparkhotelandspa-2Download Walk Description With the hotel behind you. Walk towards the roundabout and cross straight over to follow Century Way to the big roundabout with the A6120 Selby Way. Turn left to walk past the petrol station and cross over Selby Road using the pelican crossing. When on the other side pavement, turn right to walk down Stile Hill Way. At the next roundabout, turn right to cross over Stile Hill Way as the pavement is only on this side of the road, and then turn left. The road is now Bullerthorpe Lane. When this pavement stops, turn right between the trees and carry straight on along the track as it turns to the left. As this track joins another coming in from the left, carry straight on and follow this track through two double bends to emerge opposite Colton Farm at the bottom of Park Road. Turn left over the stile and follow the clear path into the trees and to the edge of Menagerie Pond. Turn right and follow the path between the car park on the left and the rose garden on the right. Continue on the path and take a path to the right into the wood. Then, at the next junction, turn left and follow this path through the wood all the way to a track. Take the direct line straight in front of you across the grass to a cycleway, turning right to follow it. Continue on this main cycleway and cross over Colton Lane, continuing on it on the other side. Eventually, turn left at the junction of tracks to reach the side of the A6120 Selby Way. Turn right and walk to the pelican crossing. Cross Selby Way here, and turn right, following alongside the dual carriageway and crossing over several roads until you reach the big roundabout again. Turn left and follow Century Way back to the Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa.
Walk: Lotherton Hall Estate
The historic home of the Gascoigne family this estate has stunning buildings and lots to keep the kids happy around the grounds. The Route what3words for start point: ///disposing.skater.lunges Start Point: Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds LS25 3EB Finish Point: Lotherton Hall Distance: 2 Miles GPX Route Map lotherton-hall-estateDownload Walk Description The highlight of this stroll around the estate is the wildlife. There are over 200 species but make sure you keep an eye out for the flamingos, these are a massive hit with the kids. There are also some amazing walled gardens to admire if you want to get away for some peace and quiet on the estate. There are multiple options for walking and the best thing to do is to get lost with the family in tow and find your own way around.