Discover Silsden: Canal Paths and History

Silsden combines paths along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal with circular routes through the surrounding area and reminders of its history. When planning a stay, you can start by considering the kind of outing you have in mind: a circuit around the reservoir, the canal route to Kildwick, or a walk starting in the town centre. The routes differ both in length and in their course.

Walking routes by distance and landscape

The Around Silsden Reservoir circular route is 5.5 miles or 8.8 kilometres long. It leads mainly across farmland and also includes the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and woodland. The canal path from Silsden to Kildwick is the shorter of the two routes for which a distance is given, at 2 miles or 3.2 kilometres. It starts at Silsden Bridge and ends at Redman Swing Bridge.

On the canal path, you follow a grassy towpath. The route passes fields bordered by dry stone walls and offers views of the River Aire valley and the hills beyond. This gives you a choice of two different types of route: a circuit around the reservoir or a link between two canal bridges. The Silsden Circular Walk takes a different approach: it starts in the town centre, leads to views of Silsden Reservoir and the upper Aire Valley, and returns via Brunthwaite.

Canal surroundings and natural areas

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which runs through Silsden, is designated as a Conservation Area. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal Local Wildlife Site runs along the southern edge of Silsden; the Silsden Reservoir Local Wildlife Site lies north of the town. The designated areas are therefore on different sides of Silsden, while the Conservation Area designation applies to the canal.

Canoeists will also find information about the canal: signs at the towpath in Silsden indicate canoe portage points. The entire Leeds and Liverpool Canal is part of the Desmond Family Canoe Trail. The towpath signs refer to portage points in Silsden; the trail designation, by contrast, applies to the whole canal.

Industrial history and events

Waterloo Mill is part of Silsden’s industrial heritage. The former worsted mill, its chimney and the engine house are listed as Grade II* buildings. Silsden Town Hall has a different history: it was founded as a Mechanics Institute, and its foundation stone was laid in 1883. Its events programme includes concerts, comedy and talks. If a particular event is important to your trip, check the dates in advance.

The Church of St James the Great also offers a point of reference for the town’s history: it was originally built in 1712 and altered in 1816. The two dates mark the original building phase and a later alteration. Brunthwaite, through which the Silsden Circular Walk returns, lies just east of Silsden on Hawber Lane. The hamlet is covered by a designated Conservation Area.

Bus and cycle connections

A regular bus service runs from Keighley to Silsden; the bus service from Keighley to Ilkley also passes through the town. Check the current timetable before setting off. For cyclists, National Cycle Network Route NCN69/696/66 provides a traffic-free connection between Silsden and Leeds.

Discover more destinations: Lofthouse, Oakworth, Steeton, Clifford, Queensbury, Almondbury, Oxenhope, Upton.

For the wider travel overview: West Yorkshire.