National Route 69 of the National Cycle Network connects Hest Bank by Morecambe Bay Nature Reserve with Cleethorpes Nature Reserve to the south of Grimsby via:
- Settle
- Skipton
- Cullingworth
- Huddersfield
- Horbury
- Pontefract
- Althorpe
- and Caistor.
Hest Bank (Morecambe) to Clapham (North Yorkshire)
National Route 69 travels traffic-free from Hest Bank - where it links to National Route 6 - to Morecambe Stone Jetty on a traffic-free path alongside first the coastal road and then the Promenade.
The jetty corresponds with the beginning of the Way of the Roses coast to coast route which is shared with National Route 69 all the way to Clapham.
Between Morecambe and Caton the route follows the trackbed of an old railway line, and then makes its way to Clapham on roads.
Silsden to Riddlesden
National Route 69 follows a minor road and then the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to Riddlesden.
The National Cycle Network continues along the canal as Route 696 from here as Route 69 is proposed heading south via Keighley.
Cullingworth to Hewenden Reservoir
The traffic-free stretch along the disused railway line once known as the Alpine route because of the stunning scenery.
This section includes the famous Cullingworth Viaduct and Grade 2 listed Hewenden Viaduct.
Thornton to Queensbury
Another part of the Great Northern Railway Trail, the route here includes the famous Thornton Viaduct and is almost entirely traffic-free.
Halifax
The short section is predominantly traffic-free alongside Hebble Brook, from south of the railway station to the southern outskirts of the town.
There is also a very short discontinuous section further to the south by Cross Hill and West Vale.
Huddersfield to Deighton or Bradley
The predominantly traffic-free section along a disused railway line to just north of Deighton Railway Station.
Dewsbury
A section of traffic-free on National Route 69, forming the southern part of the Spen Valley Greenway, takes you to central Dewsbury near the railway station.
From here, the route is on-road for a short stretch before meeting National Route 699, which takes you along a dismantled railway to Ossett.
Horbury to Wakefield
A combination of traffic-free and on-road routes links the two settlements across the M1 motorway.
Download your free guide to easy, traffic-free routes on the National Cycle Network in your area.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.
To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water, please ensure you follow the Towpath Code.
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