1. The Journey There

From the City of York I ventured to Leeds Bus Station using the Coastliner bus service (843). I then board an Aireline Bus (60) from the bus station through to Shipley town centre. This is very straight forward. However, the toilets at Leeds Bus Station were closed! Now, I walked through to the Coach Service side to use the toilets there. Sadly, they demanded 30p and I had no change whatsoever! Therefore, I had to dart to Greggs in the city to use the loo! And I may have just helped myself to a sausage sandwich and a latte while I was there. A walker requires his fuel.

2. The Town of Shipley

Shipley is a typical West Yorkshire town and in some places it did appear to look a little rundown. However, the main square of the town, surrounded by high street shops, is undergoing a rejuvenation and looked good already! I cannot wait to see this completed. Here comes the stats…..

Shipley is a vibrant market town in West Yorkshire, located 3 miles north of Bradford on the River Aire. With a population of around 28,000, it grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution and is closely linked to Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shipley sits on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and is served by the Airedale railway line, making it an excellent base for walking, cycling, and exploring the Aire Valley. The town blends Victorian heritage, canal-side scenery, and modern shopping, offering visitors both history and convenience.

3. My Aire Valley Canal Walk

I walked to the bridge close to the town centre that took me down to the canal. The last time I came here was many years ago and I used the train to get here (which is obviously quicker and more expensive). So I could remember roughly where to go, but it is quite well signed.

I used to enjoy walking canal towpaths but have been distracted with the North Yorks Moors and Howardian Hills in recent years. So to come here today was reminiscent of times past. I kept thinking “I haven’t been here for ages” and it resinated throughout my walk.

4. Shipley and Saltaire

On this initial stretch of the route you can witness these enormous mills that dwarf you. This walk is heavy with scenery but with traces of industrial history thrown in. After all, the canals were used to transport cargo before the railways arrived ushering in the industrial revolution.

These colossal mills with their towering chimneys are stunning to see and present excellent photography. My brisk walk was often interrupted with the shutter button!

The stunning architecture of these mills are concentrated in the built up areas of Shipley, Saltaire and Bingley along this walk. Tucked in between are the more scenic areas with shady woodlands and open spaces.

5. Hirst Lock

Hirst Lock is a historic canal lock on my route today and was built in the 1770s. The lock is a popular stop for walkers and cyclists, offering views of the surrounding woodland, open fields, and canal wildlife. Hirst Lock combines industrial heritage with peaceful scenery, making it a compelling landmark along the towpath. This landmark leads you into a very scenic shady woodland that the canal gently flows through. The canal is super-reflective at this time of year that made it even more stunning.

The woodland seems to add to the tranquility of the canal. The River Aire can be seen on the right hand side. Therefore, you are literally walking between two bodies of water.

6. The Dowley Gap Aqueduct

The Seven Arch Aqueduct, also known as Dowley Gap Aqueduct, carries the Leeds and Liverpool Canal across the River Aire. Completed in 1776, the stone-built structure has seven graceful arches and stands as a fine example of 18th-century canal engineering. It is one of my favourite points of interest of this walk, offering scenic views of architecture, water, and wildlife. There is a gate you can enter to get to river level. The aqueduct isobscured with foliage at this time of year.

Fuelled with a sausage sandwich from Greggs, I decided to go through the gate and tackle the steps down (and back up). With a herniated disc, this wasn’t easy. By the way, you can walk bedside the river instead of the canal for some of this journey.

7. Dowley Gap Lock

Dowley Gap Locks are a pair of canal locks on this stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near Bingley in West Yorkshire. They were built in the 18th century. The double locks help boats navigate the canal. They are very close to the Seven Arch Aqueduct, and they are surrounded by woodland, wildlife, and remnants of the area’s industrial past. With a bench of two, I decided to open a bottle of Coke Zero to ensure I was hydrated with something that tasted bloody awful.

I have omitted certain things on this walk owing to page constraints, but let me tell you, there are attractions along this route that have a wow factor. Narrow boats that have been refurbished for ornament, attractive cottages and many a swan with their signets. Do not be deceived by the industrial side to this walk, it really is very scenic.

8. Bingley Approaches

As you walk by this amazing aquatic and woodland scenery, you begin to hear the rat race once again coming from the left hand side. This of course is one of Bingley’s major roads that bypasses the main town. You might also hear the hum of electric trains and diesel units that are en-route to Skipton and towards the Settle and Carlisle Line.

9. The Towpath Safety Thing

What could be described as a ‘herd of cyclists’ or senior citizens being held together with lycra, reminded me that the towpaths are for everyone. You will encounter cyclists, walkers, runners, and dog walkers. It pays to be vigilant so that there are no accidents or misadventures!

10. Signs of Life in Bingley

Bingley is a historic market town in West Yorkshire, and fortunate enough to be set on both the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. With a population of around 18,000, the town grew from medieval roots and expanded during the Industrial Revolution. Obviously. Bingley is famous for the Five Rise and Three Rise Locks that are in succession, Britain’s steepest staircase locks, attracting visitors worldwide. It is also surrounded by the Aire Valley’s countryside, woodland, and moors. Today, Bingley combines history, scenic beauty, and a welcoming community spirit. I had to enter the town later in order to board the Aireline bus back to Leeds Bus Station. It has several shops such as a Home Bargains, Aldi, Co-op, cafes and oh yes, and every Yorkshireman’s favourite, a Lidl.

11. Damart’s Chimney

The Bowling Green Mill engine house and its towering chimney, now housing Damart, is a prominent Grade II–listed building in Bingley — a striking emblem of the town’s industrial heritage. Constructed in 1871, this five-storey mill features a six-storey tower and originally bore a stone slate roof. Its façade is built from hammer-dressed stone with elegant ashlar dressings. The tower includes a battered base, a segmental-arched doorway, and varied window styles—two-light and three-light designs—culminating in a decorative water-tower perched atop.

12. Bingley Three Rise Locks

Bingley Three Rise Locks are a flight of three connected locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Built in 1774, they raise boats 30 feet and are located just downstream from the famous Bingley Five Rise Locks. Designed by engineer John Longbotham, the Three Rise Locks remain a striking example of 18th-century canal engineering.

Obviously, there was somewhat of a hill to climb following the towpath beside them. They are set in some further canalised woodland and the bustling town of Bingley behind you. This kind of serves as a foreshadow of what is to come just around the corner.

13. Bingley Five Rise Locks

Bingley Five Rise Locks are the most famous feature of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire. Opened in 1774, this remarkable staircase of five locks lifts boats 60 feet in one continuous journey, making it the steepest lock flight in Britain. Designed by canal engineer John Longbotham, the Five Rise is an iconic example of Georgian engineering. Today, it attracts thousands of visitors who come to admire the dramatic structure, watch boats navigate the locks, and enjoy canal-side walks in the Aire Valley.

Unfortunately I’ve arrived on foot and not narrow boat, therefore walking up the ascent on the left side of the locks. In any case, the five rise locks take centre stage and some impressive photography is a must. As well as a selfie or two!

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