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

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.