Why not have a full day out on the Aire Valley Towpath Route?
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.

Leeds Industrial Museum is located at Armley Mills, between the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the River Aire at Armley (bridge 225). This is a working musuem of Leeds industries and includes such exhibits as restored woollen machinery, replicas of clothing sweat shops and a coal mine. Kirkstall is steeped in history – medieval Kirkstall Abbey, on the banks of the River Aire, commenced 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 – watch out for those spirits! The former Kirkstall Brewery overshadows the canal and is now home to student accommodation for Leeds University.

Apperley Bridge Marina is constructed on the site of the boatyard where the record winning boat, rowed by Chay Blythe and John Ridgeway across the Atlantic in 1966, was built. The coffee shop is open most days, so call in 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.

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 bridge 211, Buck Mill Lane Swing Bridge takes you over the River Aire to Baildon.

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 by Bradford’s merchants 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.

Saltaire is firmly secured on the global map as the village 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.

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.

Bingley is the home of the world famous Five Rise Locks and it’s not so famous, but equally as impressive, neighbour, the Three Rise Locks. Both are magnificent examples of engineering and design; many a visitor has stopped to watch the boats pass through the locks.
The café at the top of Five Rise Lock flight is open throughout the summer and provides a refreshing reward to those who have completed this section of the Aire Valley Towpath Route. A new cycle bridge provides a link over the dual carriageway to Bingley town centre.

THE WATERWAYS CODE FOR CYCLISTS