Join Professor Joyce Hill and explore the historic Leeds inland port along the Eastern part of the waterfront. 

You may remember that in 2020 the local authority announced their intention to establish Leeds as a port at Stourton Wharf, an environmentally friendly development designed to take half a million tonnes of freight off the roads. The Leeds city fathers got there first! By 1700 they had built the Aire and Calder Navigation, giving access to the North Sea and the Baltic. In a little over 100 years, with the completion of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, we also had water-access to the Atlantic, with Leeds flourishing as the change-over port between the two systems and making full use of the waterways for its own extensive trade.

There will be the option of adding a walk westwards to view the end of the Leeds Liverpool Canal and its junction with the Aire and Calder Navigation. For those who take this option, the walk will end near the Railway Station, just south of City Square.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Meeting Point: Leeds Civic Trust, 17-19 Wharf Street, Leeds, LS2 7EQ

Finishing Point: Leeds Civic Trust, 17-19 Wharf Street, Leeds, LS2 7EQ OR near the Railway Station, just south of City Square if you go on the supplementary walk also.

Environment: The distance covered is moderate but you will need to be prepared for frequent stops at points of interest along the route, please wear comfortable shoes.