Walks in Keighley

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