Walk: Springs Branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal

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News • January 11th, 2021

A short waterside stroll from Skipton Canal Basin to Skipton Castle.

The Route

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Start Point: Skipton Canal Basin, Bridge St, Skipton BD23 1LQ
Finish Point: Skipton Canal Basin
Distance: 1 Miles

GPX Route Map

skipton-thespringsbranch Download

Walk Description

Starting at Skipton Canal Basin, the Springs Branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal takes you north out of Skipton centre and along a path which leads to Skipton Castle Woods. The Springs Branch winds its way around Skipton Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in the country, and forms a castle moat.

The Springs Branch was built for Lord Thanet, who lived in Skipton Castle and owned the limestone quarries served by the branch. Historically, stone was brought from the quarries by horse drawn trams and loaded into boats for the journey to Leeds.

Once you reach Skipton Castle Woods, why not leave the towpath and explore the woodlands before retracing your steps back to the Canal Basin. You’ll find an Ice Cream Tugboat in the Canal Basin for a tasty treat.

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