National Route 696 is a combined walking and cycling route connecting Keighley, Bingley, Saltaire and Shipley and is also known as The Airedale Greenway. It follows the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and forms part of the Aire Valley Towpath between Leeds and Bingley.

Temporary closure of towpath between Saltaire and Bingley

The towpath from Hirst Lock in Saltaire to Primrose Lane in Bingley (Route 696) will close from Monday October 21 2024 to Christmas 2024.

We need to close this section to lay a new all-weather surface and widen the towpath, to make the route more comfortable and accessible for people walking, using mobility aids, and cycling.

At the same time, the footpath adjacent to the this section of the canal along the River Aire (Bingley 10 footpath) will also be closed, as it leads to a section of the towpath that will be under construction.

Bradford Council have suggested an alternative walking route via the southern side of the aqueduct and Hirst Wood.

Once construction is complete, the path will be open to the public with a tarmac surface. Then, in spring 2025 when the weather gets warmer, a tar spray and chip finish will be applied. The finish will be the same as the towpath past Salts Mill.

Additionally there are temporary diversions in place due to essential gas works until November 9 2024 near Bridge 207E, Salts Mill Road Bridge.

The Canal and River Trust have produced a map of the diversion.

View a map of the affected route between Saltaire and Bingley

Looking for a route that takes in beautiful countryside, rich industrial history, stunning scenery, galleries, shops, museums, the longest canal in the country and even a world heritage site? Then Route 696 is for you.

The route provides a wonderful opportunity to explore part of the longest canal in Britain and encompasses both vibrant urban areas and beautiful countryside, taking you on a peaceful route from Leeds - firstly on the Aire Valley Towpath, then on the Airdale Greenway - out past numerous attractions. 

The highlight along the route is Saltaire, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its preservation as a Victorian Industrial Village. Named for Sir Titus Salt, the area has many features, so take a rest stop here to visit the gallery and marvel at the fine architecture.

 

Things to see and do

  • Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills – This was once one of the world’s biggest woollen mills, today it gives an insight into the city’s rich industrial heritage. Genuinely fascinating.
  • Kirkstall Abbey - one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country, with a brand new visitors centre to boot.
  • West Wood at Calverley - Owned by the Woodland Trust, this beautiful wood defies description. All I can say is go and see it for yourself and be rendered similarly speechless.
  • Five Rise Locks at Bingley - An 18th-century engineering masterpiece, these five locks operate as a 'staircase' flight in which the lower gate of one lock forms the upper gate of the next. When completed in 1774, thousands gathered to watch the first boats make the 60-foot descent. Now, over 200 years later, the flight is still in daily use.

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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