A newly upgraded two-mile stretch between Bridge 187 in Kildwick and Bridge 191A in Silsden, known as the ‘Missing Link,’ is the final section of unsurfaced historic towpath in Yorkshire to be improved by the Canal & River Trust.
Built more than 200 years ago as the longest single canal for the passage of boats, today walkers, cyclists, wheelchair and pushchair users can now also enjoy access along a 34-mile traffic-free route connecting Leeds and Bradford District to Skipton and Gargrave, a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. The route takes in some of the most picturesque and uplifting open countryside along England’s canal networks and a range of interesting heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Saltaire and the iconic Bingley Five Rise Locks.
Sean McGinley, Yorkshire & North East director for the trust, said: “The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is a remarkable national treasure that requires ongoing care to remain open, navigable, and accessible for all. We are proud to have completed the final stage of the towpath upgrade in Yorkshire, which has also included carrying out vital canal bank repairs along waterway, and we are grateful to partners who attracted the funding to help us complete this project.
“These improvements not only help to safeguard our rich canal heritage but also make it easier and more appealing for more people to experience the health benefits of spending time by water.”
The completion of this exceptional cross-county collaboration has taken 20 years to achieve. David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “For too long, this vital missing link on the towpath represented a missed opportunity for communities in North and West Yorkshire, so it’s a huge moment to open this refurbished stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath.
“This upgrade directly connects Kildwick in North Yorkshire with Silsden in West Yorkshire, making it easier and safer for everyone to walk, wheel, and cycle. Our support for this project through the Net Zero Fund underlines our commitment to active travel and demonstrates the power of working across boundaries.”
Feedback gathered last year informed the final scheme design, ensuring that the upgrade met the needs of the communities it serves. Towpath improvements include a durable, accessible self-bind surface for year-round use, widened sections of towpath (where possible) to support all users, canal bank repairs, restoration of historic mileposts, and enhanced access for people with mobility challenges and pushchairs.
Delivered in partnership with Bradford Council, North Yorkshire Council, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), the scheme enables more puddle-free journeys on foot and by bike, and improves access for wheelchair and pushchair users, along a route that passes through some of Yorkshire’s most scenic landscapes and is a popular corridor for recreational and commuter travel. York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Net Zero Fund comes directly from the UK Government.
Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “Our region is home to beautiful countryside – and by improving canal towpaths like this, we’re helping more people get out and enjoy it. However you choose to get around, being outside is great for your health and wellbeing. We are creating safe, accessible routes for walking and cycling that everyone can use as part of our integrated Weaver Network.”
Towpath improvements
During the last 12 months, £8 million of towpath improvements have been secured by the CRT to improve access along 30km of canals in England and Wales. Within Yorkshire during the same timescale, the charity secured £2,925,000 to improve access along 10km of towpaths:
Hirst Lock to Primrose Lane £425k 1.2km Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Mirfield £300k 1.2km Calder & Hebble Navigation
Kildwick to Silsden £900k 3km Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Standedge to Slaithwaite £1.3m 4.5km Huddersfield Narrow Canal
The North Yorkshire section isfunded is from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Net Zero Fund, which comes the UK Government. The Net Zero Fund aims to achieve the region’s ambition to become net zero by 2034.
West Yorkshire section funding is supported by West Yorkshire’s Active Travel Fund, which is grant funding provided by Active Travel England to support local transport authorities with producing cycling and walking facilities.
