The Meanwood Merriment Trail
Self-guided trail run/ walk. Free, donation to charity encouraged.
Distance: Approx. 6 miles / 10.25km.
Course remains open after 12th January 2025.
Start / Finish: Three Cottages Café, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4LE.
Read course safety briefing. Event run at your own risk.
Download course instructions.
Log your time and provide feedback below.
Please donate to the Leeds Hospitals Charity.
Read the Briefing and Download the Route Below
The Meanwood Merriment Trail – Course Briefing
The start / finish is at the Three Cottages Café – check for opening times. threecottagescafe.co.uk
Car parking is available next to the café. It can be busy with other park users. Alternative parking can be found in adjacent streets. The No. 38/39 bus stops in Green Road.
Toilets are available at the café, when open. Alternative toilets can be found at the nearby Waitrose supermarket.
The distance is approx. 6 miles or 10.25km, on a mix of tarmac & off-road paths, roads and woodland tracks. The route instructions can be downloaded below. Print them off and keep them in something dry if you can. The pdf file may work on your phone, but it helps to keep your finger on the last instruction.
Apart from fellow runners and walkers, you will be out on the course by yourself and responsible for your own safety. There are no signs or marshals on the course. If you are comfortable with that kind of challenge, then this will be a good event for you. The instructions are easy and you can share the route finding with someone else if you want.
Course Details
The enjoyment is discovering the route as you go. However, you can take as much time as you need to familiarise yourself with the instructions before setting off. A route update on Sunday 3rd November 2024 noted the following points and hazards:
The course is on a mix of mix of tarmac & off-road paths, roads and woodland tracks. Light trail shoes would be most suitable. There are a lot of firm paths on the route, however, mud, water, long grass and slippery leaves are likely to be found.
Check the weather forecast on the day, winter in Yorkshire can mean any type of weather imaginable. Appropriate clothing is recommended to keep warm and dry. Take any kit or water and food supplies that you need with you.
The route will be open to other park and road users. Beware of cars using the various car parks.
Beware that there may be stones, tree roots, holes and uneven ground hidden beneath long grass or leaves.
The course (vegetation, signs etc) may naturally change over time. This is why the event is open for a limited time.
The route is undulating with approx. 200m of total ascent.
Other events may be on in the area.
Download The Meanwood Merriment Route Description:
Trail Tips!
It’s not difficult but the following tips might help…
Read a couple of instructions at a time. That way you can make a turning and look for the next, this is speedy and finding the next point gives reassurance that you are on the right path. You’ll quickly build up a rhythm!
Keep track of where you are in the instructions with your thumb.
Distances in the instructions are approximate to provide a sense of how far to run before the next feature or change of direction.
The use of maps and GPS is not usually allowed. You may track your route (e.g. on Strava), but please don’t spoil it for others by sharing the route publicly.
If you become uncertain, Google maps can be used to find the café. You won’t ever be far from civilisation.
Please Donate to The Leeds Hospital Charity and Record Your Completion of the Route: