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Explore the waterways

Unwind and enjoy Bradford’s waterways Perfect for leisurely days out by the water with a picnic, enjoying the peace and wildlife, or taking in a welcoming canalside pub. Better still, why not take a narrow boat holiday? You’ll find plenty of boatyards and marinas for boat hire.

Bradford has over 50 km of main rivers (Aire, Wharfe and Worth) and 23km of canal running through the district. There are 10 large 10 large reservoirs which provide valuable habitat for wildfowl and wading birds, as well as aquatic species such as fish, amphibians and water plants. The reservoirs throughout the area also provide valuable wintering and breeding habitat for wildfowl and waders.

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The Leeds and Liverpool Canal

The Leeds and Liverpool canal passes through the Bradford district starting at Apperley Bridge and finishing just after Silsden approx 23km. The Bradford section of the canal includes one of the seven wonders of the canal world: Bingley Five Rise locks and its little brother the Three Rise.The Leeds and Liverpool canal also passes through UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire. 

Today the canal is used mainly for recreation from for walking, boating, cycling, fishing and enjoying their industrial history and wildlife.  So whether you are on foot, boat or bicycle, if you keep your eyes open you will see how amazing this artery through the district really is.

Rivers

Bradford has 3 main rivers the Aire, Wharfe and Worth) approx 50m of canal running through the district.

The River Aire starts at Malham Tarn and flows in a south east direction entering the Bradford district at Silsden  passing through Keighley, Bingley, Saltaire, Shipley leaving the district at Apperley Bridge on its way to Leeds and finally ending up joining the river Ouse. .Rare and protected species, including otters, water voles and our native white-clawed crayfish, are to be found in this river 

River Wharfe

The river source is at Beckermonds in Langstrothdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and flows through Kettlewell, Grassington, Bolton Abbey, Addingham, Ilkley, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Otley, Wetherby and Tadcaster. It then flows into the River Ouse near Cawood

The River Wharfe runs through Ilkley and is home to Ilkley Riverside Gardens.

Riverside Gardens is the ideal place to relax, you can walk along the river, go fishing, feed the ducks, or play with the kids on the fantastic play equipment. 

A great relaxing afternoon for all the family.

 

Download Riverside Gardens Walk. 

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River Worth

The River Worth runs as a green ribbon through the centre of Keighley acting as a wonderful green corridor for wildlife. 

It flows from minor tributaries on the moors above Watersheddles Reservoir down the Worth Valley to Haworth, where it is joined by Bridgehouse Beck which flows from Oxenhope. The River Worth is itself a tributary of the River Aire, which it joins at the end of the Worth Valley in Keighley.

Reservoirs

Bradford District has many large reservoirs, a haven of tranquility with plenty of wildlife to observe

Along the shores of reservoirs around the city, you can enjoy a walk through dappled sunlight and fresh breezes, or choose more adventurous routes that take you up and away from the water’s edge for a greater challenge and spectacular views

Stubden Reservoir

Thornton Moor Reservoir

Graincliffe Reservoir

Chellow Dean

Lower Laithe Reservoir

Keighley Moor Reservoir

Leeshaw Reservoir

Warley Moor Reservoir

Oxenhope Reservoir

Doe Park Reservoir

Hewenden Reservoir

Ponden Reservoir

Reva Reservoir

Downloadable Guides to Waterside Walks 

Tong Park Dam

A 5 mile family friendly walk following the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and circling back through fields.

Shipley to Bingley

Shipley to Bingley 3 miles (5km) Linear (return by train)

Towpath Walk: Saltaire

A circular 2.25 walk along the towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Saltaire

Canal & River Trust Saltaire

Canal & River Trust map of saltaire 

Baildon Riverside Walk

A 1.7 mile walk in the village of Baildon

Around Doe Park Reservoir, Denholme

Around Doe Park Reservoir, Denholme Circular 3 mile (4.8km) Walk

Around Silsden Reservoir

Around Silsden Reservoir 51/2 miles (8.8km) Circular walk

The River Aire and Leeds – Liverpool Canal

Apperley Bridge River & Canal Walk - A 4.5 mile walk starting along the River Aire and returning on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Micklethwaite and the Three and Five Rise Lock

An urban walk on the fringe of the countryside with lots of interes

Chellow Heights 

21/2 miles (4km) circular walk that takes you alongside the two reservoirs of Chellow Dene.

Bingley Circular Walk

A walk that takes in a section of the beautiful West Yorkshire countryside, finishing at the historic 250 year-old Bingley Locks.

Around Leeming and the Reservoir

An ideal family walk in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the south Pennine Uplands, with extensive views of Leeming Reservoir and the surrounding area.

Starting and finishing along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal the walk soon leaves the valley bottom as it starts a steep climb up the northern side of the Aire Valley via Riddlesden Golf Course

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