Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Rowland Nock Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
We will head out through Saltaire west towards Bingley via Hirst Wood to the aqueduct. We will then follow the River Aire east for a short time before heading up into Shipley Glen and then on to Baildon Bank and into Baildon. From Baildon we will follow Gill Beck through the woods making our way round to the trig point at the top of Baildon Hill (overall height gain about 210 metres). From here we will pick up the Dales Way Link path back to Saltaire, hopefully in time for a well-earned cuppa.
Moderate Leader: Jackie Gudgeon Distance: about 9 miles
Saltaire – Shipley Glen – Dales Way Link – Faweather Grange – Sconce Lane – Gill Beck – Hazel Head Wood – Baildon Hill – Baildon Bank – Walker Wood – Saltaire.
A varied walk, taking in moorland, riverside, tracks and field paths. This walk can be shortened or lengthened in several places depending on weather and conditions underfoot (and the group’s inclination!). Good views weather permitting.
Leisurely Leader: Sue Daniels Distance: 7 miles
From the Salt Mill we walk over to the Tramway and follow the gentle slope to the top and over to Shipley Glen with views of Baildon Moor to our right. We then follow the paths over to the village of Eldwick, then make our way to the Heights (another easy climb.) The views from the top are worth stopping for (possibly have lunch here) and you can appreciate from here the distance you have already walked. From here it is all down hill as we make our way to Bingley Five Rise Locks which is well worth a visit and we shall spend some time here. We are now just over two miles from Saltaire and we follow the Leeds Liverpool Canal back to the coach. The day we did this walk it was sunny and mostly dry underfoot, with only two rather muddy parts – generally good paths throughout.
Easy Leader: Derek Lee Distance: 5 miles
We start with an easy walk to the west along the canal and through Hirst Wood to Dowley Gap and then return part of the way on a path beside the River Aire before turning north and climbing about 250 feet to enter the woods on the west side of Shipley Glen. The return will be along the open east side of the Glen, mingling with the tourists and their dogs, before dropping down from the hill alongside the tramway (closed at present) and through Roberts Park back to town.