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Aire Valley Towpath Route
Route facts
Waterways:
Leeds & Liverpool Canal »
Distance: 16.16 miles / 26 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Starts at: Leeds
Ends at: Bingley
Download the Aire Valley Towpath Route map
The Aire Valley Towpath Route links the 26km length of towpath on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal between Leeds and Bingley and is suitable for all towpath users: walkers, cyclists, anglers and mobility impaired users. It forms part of the National Cycle Network – Route 66.
The route provides a wonderful opportunity to explore part of the longest canal in Britain. It encompasses vibrant urban areas, beautiful countryside and the peace and quiet of a canal side location with interesting and historical places to visit.
There are a number of attractions and places of interest in between Leeds and Saltaire and further along the canal to Bingley. Local tourist information centres or specific attractions will provide you with further information.
Getting there
Public transport: The Aire Valley Towpath Route on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal runs adjacent to the Airedale railway line with stations at Leeds, Shipley, Saltaire, Bingley, Keighley, Steeton and Silsden, Cononley and to Skipton. Train links beyond Skipton are available.
Waypoints
A number of visitor attractions can be explored in Leeds including The Royal Armouries on the banks of the Aire and Calder Navigation, with dramatic live presentations including medieval jousting in the outdoor arena.
Easting: 427512, Northing: 433898
Kirkstall is steeped in history with medieval Kirkstall Abbey, on the banks of the River Aire, being construction in 1152. Opposite the ruins of the Abbey is the Abbey House Museum where three Victorian Streets have been recreated in the Old Abbey Gatehouse. The Old Bridge Inn close by, was reputed to have served as a mortuary for the monks at the Abbey. The former Kirkstall Brewery overshadows the canal and is now home to student accommodation for Leeds University.
Easting: 426382, Northing: 435672
Rodley offers an opportunity to stop for a bite to eat and rest weary legs; a number of pubs and shops are a short walk away. Rodley Nature Reserve (by bridge 218, Moss Swing Bridge) is open on Saturday and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Please take care when passing the entrance to Rodley Nature Reserve as cyclists and vehicles use the towpath to gain access to the reserve and neighbouring buildings. The stretch of towpath between Rodley and Apperley Bridge is lined with an area of picturesque farm and woodland. Lodge Wood and Calverley Wood provide an opportunity to stop and watch the birds and wildlife.
Easting: 422037, Northing: 435649
Apperley Bridge Marina is constructed on the site of the boatyard where the record-breaking boat, rowed by Chay Blythe and John Ridgeway across the Atlantic in 1966, was built. The coffee shop is open most days, so stop off for a drink and watch the world go by. The British Waterways office at Apperley Bridge houses an original forge and workshop used by generations of blacksmiths for making swing bridge and lock fittings and tools. The forge has recently been restored and is now in use again for the first time in 50 years by a local blacksmith.
Easting: 419791, Northing: 437530
A short walk from the Aire Valley Towpath Route is the famous village of Esholt, the original home of Emmerdale Farm. The Woolpack still dominates the village and Emmerdale merchandise can be purchased at the Post Office. For those with families, St Leonards Farm in the village provides an opportunity to feed a variety of rare and modern animal breeds. As the route curves around Buck Wood, Thackley and continues towards Shipley, the bridleway from Buck Mill Lane Swing Bridge (bridge 211) takes you over the River Aire to Baildon.
Easting: 418731, Northing: 439417
The short branch of water off the canal at Junction Bridge, Shipley is all that remains of the Bradford Canal. The canal was first suggested merchants of Bradford, who also provided much of the funding. The branch was completed in 1774 with the main cargo being wool and limestone. The canal finally closed in 1922 and although most of the route is now filled in and built on, the original line can still be followed to its end at Forster Square, Bradford. Shipley is a busy town with a variety of shops, supermarkets, markets and public transport links. The redevelopment of canal side buildings has revitalised this area, now home to offices, trip boats and restaurants.
Easting: 415448, Northing: 437514
Saltaire is firmly secured on the global map as the village that has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The magnificent mill is now home to the largest collection of David Hockney paintings in Britain, designer shops, restaurants and cafes. The village has a wide selection of shops and the tourist information centre organise interesting and entertaining guided walks for groups. For those wanting to take a short walk away from the Aire Valley Towpath Route, follow the signs from the canal to Shipley Glen Tramway and either catch the tram to Shipley Glen or take the path alongside. Shipley Glen provides fantastic views over Bradford, with the imposing Lister Mills on the horizon. Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, alongside Shipley Glen, has displays on geology, local and natural history. Why not call into the Old Glen House pub before heading back down to the Aire Valley Towpath Route.
Easting: 414329, Northing: 437510
Beyond Saltaire, the route continues to Bingley passing Hirst Wood and Dowley Gap Changeline Bridge. This style of bridge ensured the continuous moving of the horse-drawn boats, without the need to untie the horse as the towpath passed from one side of the canal to the other. The Fishermans pub is close by with access from the canal towpath.
Easting: 411035, Northing: 439393
