The Airedale Way

Location: Yorkshire

OS Maps: Explorer 289, 297, OL21, OL2

The River Aire, rising amid the spectacular limestone scenery of Upper Malhamdale, passes through the city of Leeds on its way to a confluence with the Ouse. The idea behind the Airedale Way is that it provides a link between Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales by following, as far as possible, riverside paths. There is much natural beauty in Airedale and, even in the early stages passing through the industrial towns of Shipley, Bingley and Keighley, the route is surprisingly rural for much of the way. There is history at every turn: the old stone bridges, at least one of them dating from the Middle Ages, the ancient churches, the 17th century farmhouses and halls, the picturesque villages, the mills and all the archaeology of the Industrial Revolution.

The Way leaves Leeds along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which shares the valley with the river as far as Gargrave, making this early section of the route more interesting. The main towns and villages along the route are Apperley Bridge, Shipley, Bingley, Keighley, Steeton, Cononley, Skipton, Gargrave, Airton, Malham and Malham Tarn. The route links with the Pennine Way at Gargrave and Malham.

Guide Book: [Click for further information or to purchase]

The Airedale Way by Douglas Cossar. This guide describes the complete route for those who wish to complete the path at one time. However, many walkers may want to walks parts of the route, or complete it in stages. For this reason the author has devised a circular walk for each stage of the route, except the first stage. The 16 circular and 2 linear rambles featured in this book cover the whole of Airedale from Malham Tarn to Castleford and include the entire towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Leeds and Gargrave. Riverside footpaths and excursions to notable viewpoints open up a variety of landscapes and a wealth of natural beauty and historic interest. Douglas Cossar is a former Footpaths Secretary of the West Riding Area of the Ramblers' Association and is author of several books of walks.

Acknowledgement: Some of the descriptive text about this LDP has been adapted from The Airedale Way guide described above.