Leeds - Liverpool canal- Leeds to Rodley

[Ihaveshitfriends]

Hi, I’m wanting to walk to the nature reserve in Rodley but I’m wondering if it’s safe for women to walk alone. Will be walking alone in daylight but have a diagnosis of severe anxiety and depression so struggle to assess risk well. Many thanks

Hi there, this is literally a 2 min walk from my house. When I moved here 7 years ago, the safety of the canal walk was one of my first google searches, so I understand the concern.
I’m happy to report that many walks later, it’s completely safe in the daytime.
Lots of families, dog walkers, joggers etc around. Plus lots of homes and beer gardens overlook that stretch.
Enjoy the walk!

I don’t live far from here and have found the walk along the canal really lovely. People smile and say hi when walking past and cyclists ring the bell when near. I have never felt unsafe in the day time.

@PopsyPie4 @TheZenOne22 ah thanks so much I’ll try and do it this month. Could you recommend anywhere to eat? Can’t drink due to anti depressants which is a pity as a beer garden would have been amazing!

There’s a little cafe along the canal side with some outdoor seating that does hot drinks and scones etc. It’s approx 5-10 min walk from the reserve, walking in the direction of Liverpool.
I know you won’t be drinking, but the Railway pub does nice pub-grub.

There is a tiny bit where I thought 'wouldn't want to be walking this bit alone at night' but the rest is fine and if you go during the day, especially a sunny weekend, you will have so many other people and dogs for company you will feel fine.

Another option is looking on Meetup, a colleague joined a walk along the canal through that as she loves walking but wanted company. This was last year mind.

A few years back I regularly ran that stretch, never felt unsafe.

Good evening. There are a few pubs just off from the canal but if you’re wanting to stay away from pubs there is a little cafe ‘The Tiny Tearoom’ (pics added) on the canal just down from the reserve.

I had a walk down there today and asked the owner when they open and they don’t have set times. The reserve is open Saturday, Sundays and Wednesday.

hope you enjoy your walk when you do it.