Itinerary Planner

A Day On The Canal

Is there anything more relaxing than a stroll along the canal bank, watching ducks and barges float on by and passing through beautiful British countryside with plenty of friendly faces to say hello to along the way?

STAY & EXPLORE

Bradford offers a variety of accommodations, from traditional hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs to more independent options like holiday lodges and serviced apartments.

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The Leeds-Liverpool Canal passes through much of the Bradford district and offers an easy, accessible route to explore many of the area's wonderful outdoors sights and attractions. This 10-mile route is best started from Keighley with good access to bus and train routes at either end. The route also forms part of National cycle route 696.

MORNING The National Trust property East Riddlesden Hall is a great place to begin the journey. Located just 2 minutes walk from an access point to the canal just outside Keighley, it offers large and beautiful grounds to explore as well as the Hall itself, which is full of artwork and period furniture.

From there, cross the road and turn right onto the towpath of the canal and set off following its gentle curves under the trees.

After 2.5 miles, as more buildings begin to line both banks, you'll reach one of the wonders of the canal - the Five Rise Locks. This amazing feat of Victorian engineering offers great views out into Bingley and the surrounding countryside, as well as the impressive sight of large, colourful barges being raised and lowered on the steepest staircase lock in the UK. Whilst you're there, cross the bridge at the top of the locks to reach the Five Rise Locks Cafe for a refreshing drink, slice of cake or perhaps even a cheeky ice cream! Alternativley, you can pop into Bingley to find more options.

Two miles further along the towpath you'll have the chance to cross over and pay a visit to the Hirst Wood Nature Reserve. This beautiful community area is full of flowers and plants as well as a large pond and a small hide where you'll often be able to see insects and birds taking full advantage of everything the reserve has to offer.

AFTERNOON Carry of for just a few hundred metres and you'll spot a large, ornate building along the right bank. This is the United Reform Church which signals your arrival in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire. You'll find bridges in both directions here offering more places to explore. To the right you'll head into the village, discovering charming independent shops and cafes, a perfect place for lunch. To the left, cross over the river Aire into the spacious and tranquil Roberts Park. If you're feeling particularly adventurous you can pass through the park and out the other side and head to the Shipley Glen Cable Tramway which will take you for a ride up to Shipley Glen on weekends.

Head back to the towpath and follow it through the town of Shipley. On the outskirts you'll find Saltaire Brewery sat right on the banks of the canal if you fancy a tasty, locally brewed pint in their taproom or sat out in the beer garden (we recommend coming back later to do a full shop so you don't have to carry bottles).

Another mile down the canal you'll spot a small path on your left. Follow it down the hill (this is the only non-paved section of the route) and along a bridge over the river to find a small gate which takes you into the Denso Marston Nature Reserve. This haven for nature is wonderful to explore no matter the season and it's tranquil paths by the banks of the river make for a great place to take a little break and watch the world go by. Fans of Emmerdale can also take a longer, alternate route from here by heading up into Baildon and then along to Esholt where the iconic Woolpack pub stands.

Head back to the towpath and you're on the final stretch through a wonderfully calm and shady wooded area for the last two miles until you reach a swing bridge across the canal at Apperley Road. From here you'll have easy access to several bus routes as well as Apperley Bridge Station to help you reach your next adventure, dinner or, if you are feeling really energetic, continue on the towpath - it's only another 8 miles to Leeds!

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