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Barnoldswick boats Short break routes Longer routes west

Leeds & Liverpool Canal routes - east from Barnoldswick

Below we show some examples of routes which our customers enjoy. Distances and times shown are for the return trip. You can vary the distance to suit you, because there are plenty of turning points ('winding holes') marked in the guides on your boat. Information we provide about specific waterways or suggested routes is for general reference only. Please see more about route availability.

Leeds & Liverpool Canal Routes - going east from Barnoldswick

Leeds & Liverpool Canal - Marton pool

Seven or fourteen night holidays

Skipton 26 miles 30 locks 20 hours

One Way Map

This route winds along the contours on the side of Airedale, with extensive views of sheep country, and stone growing out of the landscape - farmhouses, barns, stone walls in all directions and the occasional village or small town. At Greenberfield, you leave the summit level, and paradoxically pass into the wildest scenery, where you could moor for days with no human contact but the occasional passing boat, walker or cyclist. Across the valley, you may see a boat behind a stone wall, apparently heading in the same direction as you on a parallel canal - only to find that you meet on a hairpin bend, and pass. Then the Bank Newton flight leads you round and down into Gargrave, an unspoilt canal village. From here it's level all the way to Skipton, with views of the hills and lots of swing bridges. Quite suddenly, you are in Skipton, and can moor right in the centre of town. Explore the castle, cattle and street markets and shops, before turning to head back.

Bingley 52 miles 30 locks 30 hours

Head for Skipton, then carry on along the side of the Aire Valley, with extensive views through the trees. Pass through the romantic village of Kildwick, clinging to the hillside with the canal going placidly through the middle. Silsden is a bigger town, with shops and eating places. Keighley Golf Course has astonishing rhododendrons in May. Moor at Bridge 197A and walk down to East Riddlesden Hall NT, a 17th century manor house with fine garden; or get a bus to Keighley Station, and take the steam train (of Railway Children fame) to Haworth, and walk up the steep hill to the Bronte Parsonage. Turn at the top of the Five Rise.

Rodley 72 miles 62 locks 45 hours

At Bingley, pass down the Five Rise, the first of several staircases � the most dramatic sort of lock. Soon you arrive in the World Heritage Site of Saltaire, Sir Titus Salt's Italianate mills and model town founded on the wool of the alpaca. See the streets named after his eleven children, and find his statue in the nearby park. There's also a splendid display of Hockneys - he is a Bradford lad. Turn after Bridge 218.

Greenberfield Locks, Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Greenberfield locks

East Marton, Leeds & Liverpool Canal

East Marton

Bank Newton, Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Bank Newton

Gargrave, Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Gargrave

Near Skipton, Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Skipton Pool

East Riddlesden, Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Riddlesden

Bingley 5 Rise Locks, Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Bingley 5 Rise

Apperley Bridge, Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Apperley Bridge

How to Book

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Trip Reviews

"Skipton Castle, East Riddlesden Hall. Great wildlife - hares, curlews, oystercatchers, kingfishers. Moored away from it all. Nice steak at Salterforth Anchor. Glad we brought full waterproofs!" - Mrs Crutchley, Warwick

"Enjoyed Yorkshire countryside, pubs & villages. Took time in Skipton to watch the Tour de France. Great experience with good weather." - Mr Stockwell, Dorset (New Zealand)

"The scenery was amazing and varied. The wildlife, especially birds, was wondrous. The people are friendly and helpful. The physical workout on the locks was beneficial." - Mr Pembery, Somerset

"Perfect weather, friendly people. Divine scenery. Saltaire a wonderful treat." - Mr & Mrs Satchwell, Warwick (Australia)

"Wonderful! Loved every minute. Scenery was beautiful and we met some lovely people. Boating cameraderie was lovely and so helpful to us novices. Recommended stops were good (Craven Heifer, Cross Keys, Masons Arms)." - Mr & Mrs Oakley, Cambridge

"We took it easy. 5-6 hours boating most days. Met some lovely people - boaters, gongoozlers & towpath users. Best mooring was at Micklethwaite - so much happening on the towpath & very friendly." - Anon, Cambridge

"Local places & people very enjoyable, helpful & friendly. Frank & other lock keepers extremely helpful & nice to know." - Mr Proctor, Somerset

"Shopping in Skipton market - lots of fun. Great scenery." - Jenny Clough - Somerset

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