Seven night holidays

Gargrave 16 miles 24 locks 12 hours

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. Turn below Anchor Lock, and moor up to explore the village with its enticing choice of pubs. You need to observe the lock opening times, which we will explain.

Fortnight holidays

Skipton 26 miles 30 locks 20 hours

Go to Gargrave as above, but carry on through Higherland Lock to the bottom of the Gargrave flight. 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. Remember that Gargrave and Bank Newton are separate flights, and that you cannot do them and Greenberfield on the same day.

Three week holidays

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.