Study Links guide to Leeds & Liverpool Canal
21-03-2023
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal offers 127 miles of walking, boating, wildlife-watching and all-round relaxation. The canal is 200 years old and is a well-loved link between the bustling cities of Liverpool and Leeds.
Walking in the great outdoors can make you feel better both physically and mentally.
Research shows that spending time by water can help you feel happier and healthier.
There are many places to join the canal, we have picked out some of the places our Study Links team have visited that you might enjoy.
Leeds Waterfront – You can join the canal towpath from Leeds, LS10 1JQ
Parts of Leeds waterfront were once almost derelict. Now regenerated with vibrant waterside cafés and bars, a world-class museum, art galleries and public art, it’s a great place to visit.
Saltaire World Heritage Site – You can access the canal from Saltaire BD98 8AA.
Saltaire is a textile village built on the River Aire and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. It has World Heritage Status – that means it’s as important as Stonehenge!
One of our Study Links team members – Lisa recommends taking a boat trip on this part of the canal.
The boat is called ‘Titus Saltaire Boat’ (a semi-traditional narrowboat) located at the bottom of Victoria road, a two minute walk from the iconic Salts Mill.
The trip costs £4.00 and is a 30-minute return trip they operate from 26th March until 30th, 11.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.
Skipton – Accessible by Skipton BD23 1LE.
Skipton is a beautiful market town situated on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, it has a Norman castle too, it’s all you need for a great day out!
One of the Study Links team visited Skipton Castle and as you can see the views are amazing especially from the top of Skipton Castle!
There is also the chance of taking a boat trip at Skipton canal, they also offer afternoon tea trips and comedy cruises.
Our guardianship students at Giggleswick school have easy access to the canal just a short journey away.
Bingley Five Rise Locks– You can access the canal towapth from BD16 4DT
Bingley Five Rise Locks built more than 200 years go, are one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’. The staircase locks open directly from one to another, lifting boats 18 metres (60 feet) up the valley along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
The locks are a great opportunity to see how the boats work through the locks.
It can take 45 minutes to go up the locks and 30 minutes to go down.
There is a lovely coffee shop situated at the locks, perfect for watching the boats go by and enjoying hot or cold refreshments.
This photo is of one of our Study Links team Jodie and family members enjoying watching the boats pass through the locks.
Here are some photos of the Leeds/Liverpool canal taken by members of the Study Links team on their walks on the towpath.
Theese pictures were taken at Apperley Bridge near Dobson Lock BD10 0UR.
Our guardianship students at Woodhouse grove are fortunate to have particularly easy access to this route of the canal, It is approx. a 5 minute walk away to get onto the canal.
If you do visit the canal here are some great FREE things to do
- Feed the ducks, it’s best to feed ducks tasty treats like Porridge oats, Birdseed or even rice. Whilst they will gobble up bread, crisps and chips its junk food for ducks!
- Bird spotting
- Learn about the canal history.
While on the canal It is important to remember to share the space, Towpaths are popular for walking and cycling so please be mindful of others and be SAFE (stay away from the edge).
