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River Aire Walk

47.2 miles (76 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Follow the River Aire from Leeds to Malham Tarn on this splendid long distance walk through the Yorkshire Dales.
The walk starts in Leeds city centre, near to the train station and follows the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the River through the city. You'll pass the wildlife rich Rodley Nature Reserve and the picturesque ruins of Kirkstall Abbey set in a public park on the northern bank of the River Aire.
You continue through the woodland of Kirkstall Forge and Calverley Woods before passing the villages of Apperley Bridge and Esholt.
You then head through Shipley where a short detour to visit the pretty woods and beck in Shipley Glen is advised. This section also passes the fascinating Victorian model village of Saltaire.
The trail continues north west through Bingley St Ives, Keighley, Skipton and Gargrave where the route links with the Pennine Way.
The final section runs from Gargrave to the wonderful Malham Tarn Estate where you can enjoy a waterside stroll along the glacial lake before finishing.

Postcode

BD17 7QX - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

River Aire OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

River Aire Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Near Keighley the path passes close to the Keighley Worth Way. This circular trail explores the lovely Worth Valley, visiting Haworth and the Penistone Hill Country Park, where there are fine waterside trails around Lower Laithe Reservoir and great views from the elevated position of the park.

Photos

River Aire - geograph.org.uk - 500181

River Aire in Leeds. Taken from the Leeds Royal Armoury building.

Kirkstall Abbey in afternoon sunshine (geograph 6013963)

Kirkstall Abbey ruins

Apperley Bridge over the River Aire

Apperley Bridge over the River Aire

The River Aire in Saltaire - geograph.org.uk - 2663452

The River in Saltaire

River Aire at Esholt - geograph.org.uk - 2611180

Esholt river view

River Aire at Bingley

Canoes on the river at Bingley

River Aire between Carleton and Skipton - geograph.org.uk - 129854

River Aire between Carleton and Skipton

River Aire, west of Gargrave,from the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

River Aire, west of Gargrave,from the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

River Aire.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

River Aire.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)