Depending on how confident and fit a cyclist you are, there are a range of destinations that can be accessed by bike from Hornbeam Gardens.
Garforth town centre can be accessed in around 20 minutes, on roads which are classed as advisory cycle routes on the West Yorkshire cycle network. This means the roads are relatively low traffic and low speed, making them ideal for those looking to build confidence when cycling on the road. You don’t need to worry about cycling across Junction 47 as there’s a shared pedestrian / cycle path for you to use. From Garforth, you can also access Route 66 and Route 697 of the National Cycle Network (NCN).
Route 66 of the NCN runs from Garforth into Leeds city centre, along a mainly traffic-free route. In the other direction, you can use route 66 to access locations such as Aberford, Bramham and, for the more confident cyclists, Wetherby.
Route 697 of the NCN, also known as the Linesway Greenway, is a short, almost entirely traffic-free, route between Garforth and Allerton Bywater and Woodlesford, following a disused railway. There are plans to extend this route and once complete, it will connect Garforth to Knottingley, via Castleford and Ferrybridge.
This scenic traffic-free route travels from Garforth train station through lovely countryside, passing a nature reserve and RSPB St Aidan’s along the River Aire, before ending at Woodlesford train station. The route is around 96% traffic free and is around 7.8 miles long (12.6km). It will take you around 40 minutes by bike or 2hrs 45mins by foot. If you want to extend the route, you could continue onto the fantastic Rothwell Country Park. Follow the link below for directions.
For more information on cycling locally visit our useful cycling guides and resources page.
Planning a Journey by Bike
If you are unfamiliar with the local area and looking to plan a route by bike, an online route planner can be a really useful tool to use. You can enter your journey start point and end point and the route planner will display a number of route options on a handy map. Alongside easy to follow directions it will tell you how far the journey is, how long it will take, and even how hilly it is.
Cycle Streets is a handy website that allows you to plan your journey. Simply enter your start and end points and away you go!
Why cycle?
Cycling is rapidly growing in popularity, and through the CV19 pandemic for many people become an essential travel option. Cycling has always, however, been a great way to travel around for those able to do so. It offers many personal benefits, such as improved health and cost savings. It also offers significant benefit to the environment and local community, helping to take cars off the road, reducing pollution and reducing congestion.
Cycling can also be a great commuter travel option. If you’re new to cycling or aren’t really sure where to starting with your cycle-commute then check out some of our handy guidance on buying a commuter bike, commuting by bike whatever the weather and the benefits of choosing to travel actively.