Walks in Crossflatts

Walk: Saltaire

An interesting trek around the model village of Saltaire and out along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The Route What3Words reference: ///crazy.gums.tens Start / Finish Point: Saltaire Railway Station, Saltaire, Shipley, BD18 4PR Distance: 4 Miles GPX Route Map walkshiresaltaireDownload Walk Description Come out of the railway station either by the ramp or by the road, and head towards Victoria Road. Turn left, and walk past Salts Mill on the right to cross over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Turn left once over the canal, and follow the towpath, past the cricket ground on the right, until you reach Hirst Lock. Turn right and cross over the River Aire via the bridge, and then turn left. Cross over Loadpit Beck via the footbridge and follow the river, passing a weir on the left and the rowing club on the right. Cross over Little Beck via the bridge and enter into Bull Coppy Wood. Follow the path through the wood and then out to face Dowley Gap Aqueduct. Turn right and then left to cross over the canal. Ignore the turn to the right, and follow the track to the left around the buildings. The path hugs the side of the aqueduct, crossing over the River Aire and a small beck, before turning right through the heart of Hirst Wood. Follow the clear path and at the junction of paths, head to the right, to follow the side of the river underneath the railway, running from left to right. Continue to follow the side of the river, until you reach a cluster of trees. Turn left here along the footpath, between two fields, and then walk behind some houses on the left. The footpath comes out onto a road; cross over and follow the path along the edge of Nab Wood Cemetery. Continue through the wood, taking the left fork as the paths split. The path comes out onto Sleningford Grove. Follow the road to the big five-way junction. Cross over Tower Road on the right, and continue to the junction with Hirst Lane. Cross over and carry on down Dallam Avenue all the way to the end, to meet Victoria Road. Turn left, to reach the bridge over the railway, and return to the station.

Walk: Stanza Stones Trail

The Stanza Stones Trail is a captivating journey that weaves together the beauty of the West Yorkshire landscape with the power of poetry. This unique trail spans approximately 47 miles (75 kilometers) and is a tribute to the rich literary heritage of the region, featuring six original poems by Simon Armitage, the UK's Poet Laureate. Carved into stones along the trail, these verses are inspired by the elements, offering a profound connection between the natural environment and the written word. Route Start Point: what3words for start point: ///touched.crouching.materials Distance: 5 miles Start Location Name: Marsden Train Station Finish Location: Ilkley Train Station OS Route Map & GPX File stanzastonestrailDownload Route Description The Stanza Stones Trail begins in the bustling town of Marsden, located on the edge of the Peak District. From Marsden, the trail ascends through picturesque moorland, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The first poem, "Snow," can be found at Pule Hill, a location that perfectly captures the stark beauty of the moors, especially during winter months. Along the way, hikers will discover the "Rain" stanza carved near Blackstone Edge, where the relentless weather of the Pennines is encapsulated in verse. The "Mist" stone is located at Nab Hill Oxenhope. The Dew Stone is at Rivock Edge, Silsden. Continuing eastward, the trail leads to the village of Ilkley, crossing rugged terrains and passing through valleys that echo the poetic essence of Yorkshire. As you approach Ilkley Moor, the "Puddle" stanza awaits, hidden among the iconic rocks of this famous landscape. Down in the valley, the "Beck" Stone is at Backstone Beck Ilkley. This trail, with its combination of stunning landscapes and evocative poetry, is a celebration of Yorkshire's natural and cultural heritage, offering an unforgettable adventure for all who walk it.

Walk: Escaping the city in Saltaire

A circular walk from Saltaire to Cottingley and back along the River Aire. The Route Start Point: Saltaire railway station Finish Point: Saltaire railway station Distance: 2.48 miles GPX Route Map dnaire-escaping-the-city-in-saltaireDownload Walk Description what3words for start point: ///tries.pots.join This walk starts at Saltaire railway station (BD18 3LQ). On leaving the railway station turn left and head down the hill on Victoria Road. You will reach a footbridge that crosses the river and leads into Roberts Park. Titus Salt chose to construct his mill and village in the rural Aire valley to escape the squalor of Victorian Bradford. Here, he planned to improve both the physical and moral health of his workers. Work began in 1851 and continued until 1876. Salts Mill was the first building to be complete in 1853. It opened on Sir Titus Salt's 50th birthday, 20th September. The weir to your right powered machinery in the mill and widened the river. This meant visitors to Robert’s Park could swim and enjoy the river. Rowing boats could be hired from the boathouse on the opposite bank (now a pub). In 1883 a steam yacht, the “Rose” of Saltaire, arrived by rail from Birkenhead to provide trips upstream to Hirst Mill. The river was a focus for recreation throughout the year. In January 1881 the Yorkshire Post reported that ice-skating was possible on the frozen river. In summer swimming was popular. Large crowds gathered to see both races and exhibitions at aquatic fetes.

Walk: Beckfoot and back along the River Aire in Bingley

The walk starts at Bingley train station. Parking is available next to it in the Wellington Street pay and display car park (BD16 2NB). The Route what3words for start point: ///coasting.crafted.stubble Start Point: Bingley Finish Point: Beckfoot Distance: 1.55 miles GPX Route Map dnaire-beckfoot-and-back-in-bingleyDownload Walk Description To reach the river head up to Main Street and across the Town Square. You will find the route down to the river at the rear of the Queen Street car park. Both the flight of steps and sloping path lead down to the river. At the bottom turn left. Visitors for many generations will have enjoyed this promenade along the river to Myrtle Park. This should take you about ten minutes. Along this stretch of river you may spot wildlife like herons and cormorants. Myrtle Park was purchased in 1908 for the enjoyment of local town people. The Bingley Show has been held here since 1920. In its heyday it was one of the largest one day agricultural shows in the North attracting over 25,000 visitors. As you pass the first bridge, notice the inscription on the bridge. The Festival of Britain gave Britons a feeling of recovery and progress after the Second World War. It aimed to promote better-quality design as British towns and cities were rebuilt. The Festival also celebrated the centenary of the 1851 Great Exhibition. Imagine the excitement of the children of Myrtle Park Primary school as they watched this bridge being craned into place.

Walk: Bingley Three and Five Rise Locks

Take in the most spectacular feature of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal on this short walk. The Route Start / Finish Point: Bingley Three Staircase Locks, Hill Side Rd, Bingley BD16 2SF Distance: 0.8 Miles GPX Route Map bingley35Download Walk Description Bingley 3 Rise Locks on Leeds & Liverpool Canal is an engineering marvel with three locks and an industrial backdrop. Start the walk from here and then head up the towpath which has a rural feel on the edge of the town. As you follow the towpath one of the seven wonders of the waterways will become visible – Bingley 5 Rise Locks. Bingley 5 Rise is a set of staircase locks where the lock chambers are joined together rather than being separated by pounds or pools of water. The famous 5 Rise Locks are much wider, deeper and steeper than any other British flight of staircase locks. The Locks were designed by John Longbotham of Halifax, who was the Leeds & Liverpool Canal’s first engineer. They have changed little since they were first built in 1774. Once you reach the locks take in the views, and if you are lucky, you might be able to watch a boat travel through the flight which can take up to 45 minutes. You can call into the café for some refreshment before heading back to the start.

Aire Valley Towpath Walk

Follow the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the River Aire from Leeds to Bingley on this waterside cycle or walk. The Route Start Point: Leeds Finish Point: Bingley Distance: 16 miles GPX Route Map aire-valley-towpath-route-1Download Walk Description what3words for start point: ///swung.landed.notion Follow the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the River Aire from Leeds to Bingley on this waterside cycle or walk. The route runs for about 16 miles following National Cycle route 66 past Kirkstall Abbey, Bramley Fall, Rodley, Calverley Woods, Apperley Bridge, Thackley, Shipley, Hirst Wood and Dowley Gap with both countryside and urban sections to enjoy.

Walk: Saltaire to Bingley along the Leeds Liverpool Canal