Saltaire ‘C’ walk – 6.5 miles with 225 feet of ascent. Led by Alyson with option for a shorter D walk
Canal Tow Path, Bingley Five Rise Lock, Salt Mills and Woodlands
Today’s destination is the fabulous Saltaire near Shipley. The main attraction is Salts Mill, an impressive textile mill built by Titus Salt in 1853. The Mill is now a renowned Art Gallery (housing works by David Hockney), diner and shopping complex.
Entry to the Mill is free and could form part of your visit to Saltaire. Small dogs are allowed entry but must be carried at all times and are not permitted in the food and drink areas. Larger dogs are prohibited unless Guide Dogs.
On to the walk itself. The coach will drop off near Salts Mill and we head straight to the Canal Tow Path. The first half of the walk is largely along the canal and is walked on good quality mostly tarmac paths. As you reach the halfway point of the walk you get to see the Bingley Three Rise and if you fancy walking a further 5 minutes you get to see the very impressive Bingley Five Rise Lock.
Whilst doing the recce for Sunday’s walk we got to see a large barge going up through the locks – a very impressive sight! This area offers various options for a lunchtime stop.
For those opting for the D walk, they can accompany the C walkers as they head out from Saltaire along the canal path and then when they’re ready, turn back towards Saltaire and retrace their steps along the canal.
For the C walkers, after the delights of the Bingley locks we head back in the direction of Saltaire, leaving the canal for a while and making our way across fields and through small woods, which were all rather muddy and slightly slippery when recced. On this stretch there were also two small stiles. We then re-join the waterways, retracing our steps into Saltaire for the last half mile or so.
Once in Saltaire you can enjoy the facilities in Salts Mill, or there are also a number of cafes, a deli wine bar and a pub or two just a little further out.
Alyson will be ably assisted on today’s walk by Marie