Leeds/Liverpool Canal - where to start?

[Paul_L]

not that familiar with the route west of Silsden, but this section down to Bingley 5 Rise locks is pretty bumpy on mud / stone tracks but from Bingley all the way to Leeds is nice level made canal tow path, so if you do go West to East the last 15 miles or so should be easy miles, but at weekends, especially around Saltaire, can be very busy.

 

[Kay]

My advice - fit a bell but don't expect older walkers to hear it. Fit some commuter tyres if you can and pump them up hard - nothing wastes energy more than wide knobbly MTB tyres. Let me know if I can do anything to support as I live near Blackburn, ferrying food, bike repairs, spare tubes, or any other help. Send a PM and I'll give you my cellphone number.

BTW shouldn't you start at the new link through Liverpool docks?

Wow RR, thanks so much for your offer of support. Even if we are stupid enough not to take you up on your very generous offer, perhaps you could meet us at The Boatyard PH at the end of our first day? I'll drop you a PM over the next couple of days. Thanks again. x

 

[Kay]

Unlike RR, I can't be around next week as it's my cousins 50th so I'm going to spend it with her but if I could have, I'd have been happy to help or guide you over my (very easy) section between Barrowford and Gargrave. Good luck and I hope you get the weather you need!

Thanks so much Paul, but we're not doing it until Fri/Sat 10/11th July. So you're not off the hook just yet! lol. Perhaps you could meet us bearing flapjack or a sticky bun at the little cafe at Barrowford Locks? Have a great time celebrating your cousins 50th. x

 

[Kay]

not that familiar with the route west of Silsden, but this section down to Bingley 5 Rise locks is pretty bumpy on mud / stone tracks but from Bingley all the way to Leeds is nice level made canal tow path, so if you do go West to East the last 15 miles or so should be easy miles, but at weekends, especially around Saltaire, can be very busy.

Thanks Paul, that's great info for us to know, since I'm sure we won't be covering those stretches on our training rides. May I ask .... if my memory serves me right, the canal ends/begins under the bridge near the Railway Station/Queens Hotel, is that right do you know?

 

[Kay]

All the best !!!!!!! can be bumpy.

Ive done a section of this and it was better going faster BUT over that distance...

Thanks for your encouragement Yenrod (or could that possibly be Rodney? - yes I'd make a good Countdown contestant lol). x

 

[Kay]

Hope the weather holds for you. Have a good couple of days.

Thanks for your best wishes Colly. What a really lovely set of people there are on this site! I'm so grateful to have stumbled across it. x

 

[Kay]

I wish you the best of luck with your ride and fundraising.

Marinyork (mmm having more difficulty with this anagram lol) but thanks so much for your good wishes. x

 

[PaulB]

Thanks so much Paul, but we're not doing it until Fri/Sat 10/11th July. So you're not off the hook just yet! lol. Perhaps you could meet us bearing flapjack or a sticky bun at the little cafe at Barrowford Locks? Have a great time celebrating your cousins 50th. x

Mmm. That could be doable. I would be around Friday afternoon if you are in our region then. We leave to go down to Bath on Saturday morning though so not possible then. PM me a contact number and we'll see if it can be done.

 

[Paul_L]

Thanks Paul, that's great info for us to know, since I'm sure we won't be covering those stretches on our training rides. May I ask .... if my memory serves me right, the canal ends/begins under the bridge near the Railway Station/Queens Hotel, is that right do you know?

I'm not 100% sure Kay, but i think it ends at Granary Wharf which is just behind the station.

 

[colly]

Yes ends in the canal basin behind the station and a big hotel. Hilton I think.

 

[PaulB]

Yes ends in the canal basin behind the station and a big hotel. Hilton I think.

There you go. book a suite there and end your trip in luxury. Let room service take the strain. You'll deserve it and you know it makes sense. And it'll be something to look forward to as well.

 

[Kay]

Thanks guys. Whoaah, room service in the Hilton! Now ur talkin! x

 

[Kay]

All done! One of the best experiences in my life! Photos in the Gallery xxx