The Aire Valley Towpath Route - Sustrans

The Aire Valley Towpath Route provides a wonderful
opportunity to explore part of the longest canal in Britain. It
encompasses both vibrant urban areas and beautiful countryside,
taking you on a peaceful route through Leeds and out past
Kirkstall Abbey, Bramley Fall, Rodley, Calverley Woods,
Apperley Bridge, Buck Wood at Thackley, Shipley, Hirst
Wood, Dowley Gap and the Three and Five Rise Locks at
Bingley.
The highlight attraction along the route is Saltaire, declared a
UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its preservation as a
Victorian Industrial Village. Named for Sir Titus Salt, the area
has many features, so be sure to stop and visit the gallery
and many fine boutiques and antique shops, as well as marvelling
at the fine architecture.
Near Kirkstall Marina
The route forms part of National Routes 66 and 69, serving
commuter and leisure walkers and cyclists alike. It is
maintained in part by Volunteer Rangers.
For more details visit our website at
www.airevalleytowpath.org.uk
Sustrans - the sustainable transport charity - works on
practical projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and
use public transport in order to reduce motor traffic and its
adverse effects. 5,000 miles of our flagship project, the
National Cycle Network, were officially opened in June 2000,
we will increase this to 10,000 miles by 2005.
Andy Syme
6
Burnley
This route is a partnership between
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•
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Bradford Metropolitan District Council •
68
Skipton
Keighley
Halifax
BINGLEY
69
66
British Waterways
Leeds City Council
open routes
proposed
66
Bradford
Sustrans
map area
Dewsbury
63
LEEDS
Harrogate
66
Wakefield
The National Cycle Network is a comprehensive network
of safe and attractive routes to cycle throughout the UK.
10,000 miles are due for completion by 2005, one third of
which will be on traffic-free paths - the rest will follow quiet
lanes or traffic-calmed roads. It is delivered through the
policies and programmes of over 450 local authorities and
other partners, and is co-ordinated by the charity Sustrans.
www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk
For more information on routes in your area:
Sustrans 0845 113 0065
or visit the interactive mapping on our web site.
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Wetherby
Part of the National
Cycle Network
in Yorkshire
66 69
The Aire
Valley Towpath
Route
British Waterways
Saltaire World Heritage Site
A 17 mile
route
along the
Leeds &
Liverpool
Canal
through
Leeds and
Bradford
to Bingley
Waterways Code for Cyclists
• Always fit a bell to your bike and use it to warn people
that you are approaching.
• Be courteous and considerate and warn others of your
approach in good time. Say “hello” and “thank you”.
Remember some people may be deaf, partially sighted
or blind.
• Give way to others on the towpath - pedestrians
have priority.
• Dismount under low and blind bridges and where the
towpath narrows under bridges. Again warn others by
ringing your bell.
• Never race or skid - it is dangerous and breaks up the
towpath surface.
•Watch out for anglers’ equipment - give them time to
move it before you pass.
• If you have to cycle along the towpath after dark use
front and rear lights.
•Take care at all road crossing points. Stop and check
for road traffic.
•Take your litter home or use rubbish bins.
• Don’t forget your puncture repair kit and pump, food and
drink, waterproof jacket and a cycle lock.
• Remember - give way to pedestrians.
Near Rodley Nature Reserve
Leeds City Council
TravelWise is a working partnership between local authorities,
business and the community promoting awareness of
sustainable travel opportunities. The Aire Valley Towpath
Route runs adjacent to both the Airedale railway line and the
760 bus route. So, why not cycle or walk one way and
return by train or bus. For further information, please contact
Metro on 0113 245 7676. Most trains have provision to carry
bicycles. Folding bicycles can generally be carried on buses.
Further Information
British Waterways
Lock Lane, Castleford WF10 2LH
01977 554 351
enquiries.yorkshire@britishwaterways.co.uk
Other information about waterside areas and cycling on the
national waterway network is available from
www.waterscape.com
Sustrans
National Cycle Network Centre, 2 Cathedral Square, College
Green, Bristol BS1 5DD
0845 113 0065
www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk
Leeds Cycling Action Group is a voluntary group involved
in all aspects of promoting cycling in the city. Monthly
meetings and regular newsletters keep members informed.
2 Norwood Croft, Stanningley, Leeds LS28 6NH
www.leedscyclists.org.uk
An online resource to help you get out and about with your
cycle on West Yorkshire’s extensive public transport system.
www.cycletransport-westyorks.co.uk
Leeds and Bradford Councils have produced cycle maps of
the cities. The Leeds map can be viewed online via the
council’s website at www.leeds.gov.uk
Near Newlay Marina

Aire Valley Towpath Route
Leeds to Bingley
British Waterways
Apperley Bridge
Five Rise Locks, Bingley
Route partners
Andy Syme
© Crown copyright.
All rights reserved
Sustrans.
Licence No:
GD03181G0001
October 2004
Britannia cycle and footbridge, Bingley
Canalside family ride