Walks in Saltaire
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Saltaire on foot.
Walk: Baildon Moor
An interesting ramble across the bleak but beautiful Baildon Moor. Best done in good weather and requires basic navigation skills. The Route what3words for start point: ///domain.poetic.scooters Start / Finish Point: Baildon Trig Point Car Park, Hawksworth Rd, Baildon, Shipley BD17 6BQ Distance: 5 Miles GPX Route Map baildonmoorDownload Walk Description Head towards the entrance of the car park, but turn right down the path before you reach the road. Follow this path as it turns to the left alongside the road, and then down to a crossroads of paths. Turn right here, and follow this path through the scrubland until it reaches a road. Turn right, and then veer left just after the stone house to walk behind the line of newer houses. Keep to the back of the houses, and join Hawksworth Road at a gate. Cross over, and head down the car park for the golf club, keeping left to take the path away from the car park. At the next two junctions of paths, turn left to walk on a clear trail behind more houses - this is the Welcome Way. Take the path which climbs the hill, and continue to the top to the trig point - this is Baildon Hill. Carry on down the other side to reach a track. Turn left to reach the entrance of the Caravan Park. Continue on the path to skirt around the edge of the caravan park, and then down across the moor to a narrow road. Cross over the road, and head towards the telegraph pole in the middle of the moor. From there, head towards the field boundary straight head, then turn right when you reach a more defined path. Cross over the narrow road again, and around the other side of the Caravan Park. At the tip of the Caravan Park, turn left on a path, and then steadily veer to the right over the brow of Windy Hill to reach Bingley Road near to a car park area. Turn right, carefully walking alongside the road, until you see a footpath sign on the left. Take this, crossing over the course of Baildon Golf Club. Head to the right, following the clear path on the ground to reach a track. Go straight across to a junction of paths, and turn right. Walk between the small collection of trees and up the rise. At the main path, turn left and then cross the road back to the car park.
Walk: Shipley and Route 66
A jaunt along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, through the streets of Shipley and along part of the massive Route 66 of the National Cycle Network. The Route Start Point: Shipley Railway Station, Station Rd, Shipley BD18 2JL Finish Point: As start Distance: 7 Miles GPX Route Map walkshireshipleyDownload Walk Description Leave the station via the access road to reach the A657 Briggate. Turn left and then use the traffic lights to cross over Briggate. Turn right at the concrete bollards and follow the path to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Cross over the canal using the bridge, and turn right. Follow the canal tow path for a long time until you reach a swing bridge underneath a very tall electricity pylon on the right hand side, with a road coming in from the left. Turn right and cross over the canal using this bridge. Follow the road as it bends around to the left to become a track, which joins the top of Thackley Road through a gate. Turn right, and follow Thackley Road until the big junction. Turn right onto Windhill Old Road and follow that all the way to the end, eventually veering left to go underneath the old railway bridge. After Cypus Avenue on the left, look for a green snicket on the left, and take this all the way to the A657 Leeds Road. Cross over the main road and turn right. At the next public bridleway sign, turn left and follow this trac, called Crooked Lane, to eventually come out at Westfield Lane. Turn right here and follow the road until High Busy Lane branches off on the right. Follow this road, which becomes a path through trees. Continue to follow it into Catstones Wood, where the path is clear throughout. Exit the wood and once you are through a hedgerow, turn right on Low Ash Road. Just after the turning for Low Ash Drive, take the public footpath on your right, and walk between the houses. Follow it as it crosses Elm Road and continue until Snowden Road is opposite. Cross over, and walk down Snowden Road, turning right after the Youth Centre, to cross over the grass down to Carr Lane. Cross over Carr Lane and turn right, then left all the way down Hollin Lane. At Owlet Road, turn right, then cross over to turn left down Crag Road. Turn left down Poplar Road, and take the clear path across the green on the right opposite Poplar Crescent. Join the National Cycle Route 66 as it continues along the line of the trees on the right and follow it all the way to reach Leeds Road. Turn left, then left again to get back to the station.
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: 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.
Walk: Yorkshire Heritage Way
The Yorkshire Heritage Way is a long-distance walking route spanning 42 miles through West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire. Linking the vibrant city of Bradford with the historic cathedral city of Ripon, the trail takes in two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Saltaire and Fountains Abbey—along with stunning countryside across Baildon Moor, the Washburn Valley and Nidderdale. Designed to connect urban and rural landscapes, the route blends spiritual, cultural, and natural heritage in one continuous and varied journey. The Route what3words for start point: ///purely.state.movesStart & Finish Point: Bradford Cathedral to Ripon CathedralDistance: 42 miles (68 km) GPX Route Map yorkshireheritagewayDownload Walk Description The Yorkshire Heritage Way begins at Bradford Cathedral, an ancient place of worship in the heart of the city, and heads north along green corridors and towpaths toward the model village of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its industrial and social history. From Saltaire, the route climbs gradually through Shipley Glen and out onto Baildon Moor, where wide views open across the moorland. The path then descends toward Burley in Wharfedale, where walkers must cross the River Wharfe—either by a traditional stepping stone crossing or by diverting two miles upstream to Denton Bridge. A new footbridge here has been a long-standing ambition of the local community. Entering North Yorkshire, the trail winds through Timble, past Blubberhouses Church, and into the Washburn Valley, climbing toward Thruscross Reservoir before descending into the wooded reaches near Glasshouses. Soon after, the dramatic formations of Brimham Rocks offer a spectacular natural landmark. The final stretch leads to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park, a second UNESCO site combining Cistercian ruins with Georgian water gardens and deer-filled parkland. The walk concludes at Ripon Cathedral, a fittingly peaceful end to a route rich in history, beauty and Yorkshire character.
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: Chellow Dene
This lovely hidden gem is in the Allerton area of Bradford. A Victorian reservoir with a level path all the way around making it easy for accessibility challenges. A tranquil oasis in one of the biggest cities in the region. The Route what3words for start point: ///offers.maker.locker Start Point: Allerton Finish Point: Allerton Distance: 2 Miles GPX Route Map chellow-dene-reservoirDownload Walk Description Make sure you park at the car park off Haworth road and then take the leafy woodland path through to the first of two reservoirs. The woodland is home to lots of wildlife so keep those eyes peeled for squirrels as well as Owls. The walk can be extended to the second of the two reservoirs to make it a little more challenging on the legs but this is as easy to navigate as the first one. There are plenty of freshwater shrimp to spy in the water as well as plant life such as the purple loosestrife. Take the stroll at your own pace and make sure you enjoy the peaceful break from suburban life.