SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Lately I've been finding myself getting a bus out to a random part of Leeds and just going on a walk down a certain route. It's really good. I used to enjoy discovering all the bus routes in Leeds but they've all been done to death, and these walks have helped me really discover certain areas of Leeds that I didn't fully know despite knowing them by the bus routes.Anyway, I'm planning to do a walk through a part of Bramley this Friday. The route either is down either Out Gang - or Aston Road then Snowden Crescent and Raynville Rise and Drive - onto Victora Park Grove before subsequently turning down Victoria Park Avenue, all the way down to where the road ends and meets Raynville Road. Then it's down Wyther Lane and across the bridge into Kirkstall where I'll get the bus back into Leeds.I'll be doing it on Friday, around 12 - 1PM. Now, I've heard the Kirkstall end of Bramley is pretty gnarly, especially the Raynvilles, so I was wondering if it's safe at that time of the day, on a weekday, or if it's not worth it. The reason I've picked that route is because apparently there are some stunning views across the Aire Valley from there.Cheers for any replies!

Had to chuckle when I read your post. I thought to myself, "course it's safe" but then remembered it was 34 years ago I walked around those parts... I now feel old! You're right though, some lovely views. Take your car if you have one and keep parking up to admire the views. Edit. I doubt I could make it up Wyther Lane now without oxygen. Lol.    

I always think Bramley's the best part of Leeds for great views, the way it's on a hill and surrounded by several valleys.I don't drive but you're right - because it's such a hilly area walking up some streets can be more painful than any assault by hoodlums!

Let's be serious now - the area around the Canal is lovely in itself, but I'm sorry to say that there are some very dodgy characters around 24/7 !! Certainly don't go on the tow path alone unless you can "look after yourself." What used to be a very interesting and enjoyable walk on there , or indeed a bike ride, is nowadays spoilt by the need for undue caution and alertness - this advice is given sadly but essentially I'm afraid.

the only problem I have had on the canal is nearly getting run over by cyclists.

"the only problem I have had on the canal is nearly getting run over by cyclists"On the other hand, pedestrians using i-things with headphones are oblivious of approaching cyclists despite ringing your bell so it works the other way as well.

The mention of Bramley made me wonder about Bramley apples. I was therefore disappointed to learn that "The first 'Bramley's Seedling' tree grew from pips planted by Mary Ann Brailsford when she was a young girl in her garden in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, UK in 1809. The tree in the garden was later included in the purchase of the cottage by a local butcher, Matthew Bramley in 1846. In 1856, a local nurseryman, Henry Merryweather asked if he could take cuttings from the tree and start to sell the apples. Bramley agreed but insisted that the apples should bear his name". So no connection with Bramley in Leeds. Sorry for going off topic.

Hi Leo. Funny you should mention the above. Not so long ago I watched a programme and the tree was shown in the garden along with the owner of the property and the tree still stands there today. I was also disappointed as I had lived thinking the apples had a connection to Bramley, Leeds.

LDeOne of the worst things is 'fear of stuff'.I've been all over and there too not had any trouble.Someone once put a comment on a picture of mine of angled trees in "some woods" saying I was risking life & limb being there with a camera.My experience of visiting has been only good in 40+ years so perhaps if more folks took the plunge and took a walk we'd reclaim the streets from whatever rampaging mobs the papers tell us are a threat to us     

hi i live in bramley and its not as bad as people think, it was rife ten to fifteen yrs ago but you should be safe to walk the streets you mentioned