7 city walks Leeds: best urban trails to stretch your legs during lockdown - from Leeds Country Way to Eccup Reservoir

There is nothing quite like a breath of fresh air to reinvigorate the mind, body and soul.

One of the few positives of the coronavirus pandemic has been the chance to explore outdoor areas close to home and appreciating those walks and landmarks on the doorstep.

Due to the closure of many shops, pubs and restaurants, walking has soared in popularity over the past year as we look forward to stretching our legs in our free time.

A third national lockdown has put further restrictions on our lives, meaning we can only go outdoors once a day for exercise in our local area - so why make that walk a pleasant one?

Here are seven city walks in Leeds.

Rawdon Billing

Starts at Jubilee Hall, Layton Avenue, Rawdon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 6QQ.

An ideal short walk for those limited on time, or during a lunch break from work, this two-mile circular route around Rawdon Billing offers everything.

Varied terrain, wide open spaces and exposure to the elements means this walk is far from straightforward, but remains a popular route for many.

From the Jubilee Hall car park, uphill paths lead to Billing Dam, Larkfield Dam and Billing Hill.

Leeds Canal Walk

Starts at Royal Armouries, Armouries Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1LT.

Experience both sides of Leeds in this 13-mile stroll discovering the city's illustrious history and local scenery.

A long walk but one which is fairly straightforward from the Royal Armouries and finishes in Shipley.

Among the sites on the way you will see Kirkstall Valley and Rodley Nature Reserve, Kirkstall Abbey and Bramley Fall Park and Calverley Woods.

Leeds Country Way

Starts at Golden Acre Park, Arthington Road, Bramhope, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 8BQ.

If you want to see Leeds then why not take on the biggest walk the city has to offer?