Roundhay Park Ramble
A leisurely walk (city/town) in Leeds, England, about 4.40km (2.73 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 1:15h. It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
38m (124ft)
Descent
38m (124ft)
Max. Elevation
140m (459ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
76m (248ft)
Start & End
Canal Gardens, Roundhay Park, Leeds
Distance
4.40km
(2.73mi)
(2.73mi)
Duration
~1:15h
Difficulty
Leisurely
Ordnance Survey Map
2Created by mac.hawk on 16 Dec 2014
A family friendly amble through Leeds biggest park. Stunningly beautiful in April when the bluebells are out, takes in the less frequented woodland area.
Canal Gardens & the (recommended) Specialist Gardens are optional extra's as is the (pay to enter) Tropical World.
Pushchair accessible in drier conditions.
Spent hours of my childhood fishing & exploring the park.
Walk Functions
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid SE326381
From Leeds city center the No12 bus terminus is just south of the Canal Gardens which are worth a wander through if you have the time. Tropical World (currently under refurbishment) is situated here too.
OS Grid SE326382
This is a pay to enter butterfly/small reptile/animal house and aquarium - not part of the walk really but an option you may wish to choose.
About 0.15 km (~0.09 miles) from 
OS Grid SE327382
So, alighting the bus cross the road but don't enter the park, instead turn left, pass the Roundhay Fox pub and immediately beyond this turn right down Mansion Lane.
About 0.06 km (~0.04 miles) from 
OS Grid SE327382
A little way down Mansion Lane reach the entrance to the Specialist Gardens on the left. These are small, award winning, formal gardens that are well worth a short detour to visit.
About 0.06 km (~0.04 miles) from 
OS Grid SE330383
Carry on down the lane to reach The Mansion, where toilets, a visitor center and a cafe are situated. Continue pass the parking area and descend slightly left to reach the Upper Lake.
About 0.22 km (~0.14 miles) from 
OS Grid SE330383
Years ago you could boat and fish the lake but nowadays it's home to the tall water spout fountain and a haven for water birds. Turn left and simply follow the edge of the lake.
About 0.11 km (~0.07 miles) from 
OS Grid SE332384
Where the footpath follows the lake by turning sharp right carry on directly ahead and enter the woodland on a wide path/track and follow the wall on tne left.
About 0.18 km (~0.11 miles) from 
OS Grid SE332390
The wide path follows the wall on the left (it can meander away from it a little at time) for a little over 1/2 mile to descend to a U-turn just before the Ring Road (you'll hear the traffic).
About 0.60 km (~0.37 miles) from 
OS Grid SE336382
Continue on the wide path that follows the stream on the right to reach Waterloo Lake after a little over half a mile. Keep left & follow the lakeside path around the lake to reach the cafe.
About 0.82 km (~0.51 miles) from 
OS Grid SE332377
Toilets, cafe & children's playground available (& inevitably the ice cream van). Take tarmac road that runs to the right of the cricket pitch/arena (or the one that veers away to the left).
About 0.71 km (~0.44 miles) from 
OS Grid SE330382
Immediately before The Mansion turn left and follow the avenue to exit the park, turn left briefly to reach the return bus stop.
About 0.54 km (~0.34 miles) from 
Return Bus StopOS Grid SE326380
Walk (without detours) is about 4 miles in total. Regular buses back to Leeds (every 10 minutes Mon-Sat daytime - 20 mins on Sunday).
About 0.40 km (~0.25 miles) from 
