Depending on how confident and fit a cyclist you are, there are a range of destinations that can be accessed by bike from Silverwood.
Nearby, the centre of Garforth can be reached in less than 10 minutes by bike, including both train stations, Tesco superstore and all other amenities. Many of the local roads in Garforth are advisory cycle routes. Additionally, National Cycle Network (NCN) routes run nearby too. A journey to Thorpe Park Leeds / The Springs on these routes will take just over 15 minutes using route 66 of the NCN.
If you’re willing to cycle further afield, Leeds City Centre can be accessed in less than 35 minutes via the dedicated traffic free cycle path at M1 Junction 46 and parts of Selby Road as well as the Cycle City Connect Route along York Road. In Leeds, you’ll find a wide range of amenities, including shops, bars and restaurants, a shopping centre, healthcare facilities and more. When considering traffic and the time it can take to park, cycling may be quicker than a journey by car!
NCN Route 697 begins just 800m east of your new home on Selby Road. You can use the traffic free route to explore Towncliffe Woods or to access Allerton Bywater. You will also find a traffic free link route near Allerton Bywater which allows you to explore the Aire and Calder Navigation, including RSPB St Aidan’s!
NCN Route 67 is located within just 10 minutes of your new home. This largely traffic free route provides a more scenic journey into Leeds City Centre, through parts of Temple Newsam and Halton Moor Wood.
Garforth to Woodlesford (The Linesway)
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.
The West Yorkshire Interactive Cycle Map shows Leeds comprehensive network of cycle routes but when used in combination with the City Connect Journey Planner, it also allows you to plan your journey from A to B. Simply enter your start and finish points and away you go!
Why cycle?
Cycling is rapidly growing in popularity, and has 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 benefits 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 start 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.