Rides & Events

Rides and Events Leaflet 2025

Wonders of Wakefield

This event starts from the following locations in rotation. The Hepworth Gardens (Jan, May, Sept), Nostell NT in front of the House (Feb, Jun, Oct), Anglers Country Park Cafe (Mar, Jul, Nov) and Pugney’s Country Park Cafe (Apr, Aug, Dec).

The Wonders of Wakefield – the WoW, is a picturesque 21 mile, mostly traffic free cycle trail passing some of the most important sites of historic and cultural interest in the district. It introduces the cyclist to some of the best of the Wakefield countryside. It takes in some historic and iconic sites as well as giving the chance to see the variety of wildlife that lives on the edge of the city.

Rides Calendar

Easy Ride

Cycling at an easy-going pace, easy rides ideal for beginners, families & those wanting to build their confidence, Duration 2-3 hours. Distance up to 10 miles

Steady Ride

If you’re fairly confident on your bike, steady rides are the next step up. Cycling further at a comfortable pace. Duration 3 hours. Distances up to 20 miles

Steady Plus Ride

You’ll need a good level of fitness and cycling experience. Duration 3-4 hours. Distances usually up to 25 miles. Longer rides as stated on the calendar.

March 2025

No Easy Rides in January & February

Sat 1 Easy

Start 10:30

Thornes Country Park

Sun 9 Easy

Start 10:30

Nostell NT

Sat 15 Easy

Start at 10:30

Queen’s Mill, Castleford

Sat 15 Easy

Start at 10:30

New Fitzwilliam Ride Hemsworth Water Park

Sun 16 Easy

Start at 10:30

Rycroft Leisure Centre

Sat 22 Easy

Start 10:30

Agbrigg CC

Sun 23 Easy

Start 10:30

@Aspire, Pontefract Park

Tue 25 Easy

Start 10:30

Nostell NT

April 2025

Sat 5 Easy

Start 10:30

Thornes Country Park

Sun 13 Easy

Start 10:30

Nostell NT

Sat 19 Easy

Start at 10:30

Queen’s Mill, Castleford

Sat 19 Easy

Start 10:30

New Fitzwilliam Ride Hemsworth Water Park

Sun 20 Easy

Start at 10:30

Rycroft Leisure Centre

Tue 22 Easy

Start 10:30

Nostell NT

Sat 26 Easy

Start 10:30

Agbrigg CC

Sun 27 Easy

Start 10:30

@Aspire, Pontefract Park

May 2025

Sat 3 Easy

Start 10:30

Thornes Country Park

Sun 11 Easy

Start 10:30

Nostell NT

Sat 17 Easy

Start at 10:30

Queen’s Mill, Castleford

Sat 17 Easy

Start 10:30

New Fitzwilliam Ride Hemsworth Water Park

Sun 18 Easy

Start at 10:30

Rycroft Leisure Centre

Sat 24 Easy

Start 10:30

Agbrigg CC

Sun 25 Easy

Start 10:30

@Aspire, Pontefract Park

Tue 27 Easy

Start 10:30

Nostell NT

Steady Rides

When we have a Ride Leader available

1st Saturday

Start 10:00 – Steady Plus

Darrington Hotel

1st Sunday

Start 10:00 – WoW

Start locations vary. Please see Facebook

2nd Saturday

Start 10:00

Queen’s Mill, Castleford

2nd Tuesday

Start 10:00

@Aspire, Pontefract Park

3rd Saturday

Start at 10:00

Thornes CP

Before setting out:

We ride in most conditions but err on the side of caution when there are weather warnings issued and in the event of flooding.

Rides start from:

Agbrigg Community Centre

Montague St. WF1 5BB

Meet outside the Community Centre.

Anglers Country Park

Haw Park Lane WF4 2EE

Meet outside the visitor centre.

Castleford Queen’s Mill

Aire Street WF10 1JL

Meet outside the entrance to the mill building.

Nostell NT

Doncaster Road WF4 1QE

Meet in front of the house.

Pontefract Park

Park Road WF8 4RA

Meet outside the entrance to the Aspire Leisure Centre.

Pugneys Country Park

Denby Dale Rd, Wakefield WF2 7BN

Meet outside the cafe.

Rycroft Leisure Centre

Off Mulberry Ave WF4 2BB

Meet outside the Leisure Centre

Fitzwilliam Ride, Hemsworth Water Park

Hoyle Mill Rd, Kinsley, Pontefract WF9 5JB

Meet in the car park.

The Hepworth

Tootal St, Wakefield WF1 5AW

Meet in The Hepworth Gardens.

The Darrington Hotel

Old Great North Road WF8 3BL

Meet in the hotel car park.

Thornes Park

Horbury Road WF2 8TY

Meet outside Thornes Park Stadium Entrance

Rides Information

Need advice – email: rides@cycling-wakefield.org.uk

How to book on a ride

WDCF rides are FREE and you do not need to book in advance unless you wish to borrow one of our loan bikes. To validate our group insurance, we will ask that you complete a registration card on your first ride.

We have a limited number of bikes to borrow but they must be booked in advance via

rides@cycling-wakefield.org.uk

Which ride to choose

The rides are of varied lengths and difficulty, ranging from Easy to Steady to Steady Plus. We always ride at the pace to suit the least experienced cyclist and no-one is ever left behind. We mainly use traffic free routes & minor roads, which are suitable for both hybrid or mountain bikes.

Bad Weather

The weather doesn’t usually stop a ride but in wet weather some routes may be muddy and uneven. However, the prolonged spate of bad weather this year has meant that we have had to cancel some rides.

Cancellations will be posted on Facebook. Please check this page before setting out.

WDCF Facebook page

What to bring

No specific requirements, but it is always useful to bring:

Yourself, friends & family
A roadworthy bike
Suitable clothing
A bottle of water
We also recommend that you wear a cycle helmet.

Special Events Calendar

Holiday Wednesdays @ Nostell NT

Cycling Information Stand
Cycle Skills Course
Pedal in the Park
Bike Doctor Session

Bike Doctor Session

Bike Safety Check
Advice on maintenance
How to mend a puncture