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Routes from Silsden
Burnley & back
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
10 nights 
63 miles 
32 hours 
44 locks 
All levels
Burnley & back
Airedale views Travelling in the direction of Liverpool along the canal from Silsden, you’ll first pass canalside warehouses, enjoying views of Airedale’s steep green hills.
Swing bridges There’s a series of historic swing bridges along this section of the canal, each needing to be unlocked and lifted.
Kildwick Within two miles, the canal passes through the village of Kildwick, with its 17th century coaching inn, The White Lion. Next you’ll continue along the valley of the River Aire, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Bradley Two miles later the village of Bradley has an excellent pub the Slaters Arms, serving homemade food and real ale.
Snaygill A mile later, the route passes the Bay Horse pub at Snaygill.
Skipton Castle When you reach the outskirts of Skipton, a little arm (the Springs Branch) branches off the canal to moorings outside Skipton Castle. Dating back to 1090, this motte and bailey castle is one of the best preserved medieval castles in England, and is well worth a visit.
Skipton This ancient market town has a range of places to eat, including The Yorkshire Rose pub, Royal Shepherd, French Bistro des Amis, Bean Loved coffee bar and Cock & Bottle pub.
Gargrave Heading west out of Skipton, you’ll travel a further three miles through the hills to Gargrave. There are three locks to pass through before reaching moorings and a winding hole in the centre of the village. In Gargrave there are plenty of pubs, including The Mason’s Arms. There are also shops and a post office.
Yorkshire Dales National Park Gargrave is on the River Aire on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where you can access 680 square miles of some of England’s finest walking country.
Bank Newton Continue cruising west, enjoying views of the Yorkshire Dales. At Bank Newton there are 7 locks to go through, taking you up on to the Pennines.
East Marton 2.5 miles later you’ll reach the village of East Marton, where you’ll find the Abbot’s Harbour Restaurant and a medieval church.
Greenberfield There are three locks to go through at Greenberfield.
Barnoldswick One mile later you’ll reach the historic market town of Barnoldswick. You can moor up near Bridge 153 to explore the town, where there are a couple of large supermarkets within walking distance. There’s a choice of places to eat, including The Fountain Inn. The Pendle Way connects to the canal at Cockshott Bridge no. 152.
Salterforth Continue on for another mile, soon reaching the canalside Anchor Inn at Salterforth.
Foulridge Tunnel Less than 2 miles on you’ll reach Foulridge Wharf, just before the entrance to the 1.49km long Foulridge Tunnel. Passage through the tunnel works on a traffic light system which allows each boat 20 minutes to get to the other end.
Barrowford Locks A mile after Foulridge Tunnel, you’ll encounter the seven locks at Barrowford Top Lock, and you’ll begin your descent from the summit level, with views of old stone farms and distant mountains to enjoy.
Barrowford Soon after, Barrowford offers shops, fish & chips, restaurants and pubs, including The White Bear Inn. At the Pendle Heritage Centre you’ll find an exhibition on the famous Pendle Witches. There’s a tea room overlooking the beautifully restored 18th century walled garden, the Pendle Art Gallery, and access to the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Pendle Hill.
Burnley Continuing along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, you’ll enter the outskirts of the large industrial town of Burnley. The area around Bridge 130, known as the Weaver’s Triangle, is one of the best preserved 19th century industrial districts in the country. The mile-long Burnley Embankment, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’, carries the canal 60 feet high across the town, with panoramic views. There are plenty of pubs in Burnley, including The Inn on the Wharf in a weaver’s warehouse, several art centres and the Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, now Britain’s only working 19th century weaving mill. Turn at Burnley Wharf.
FAQs
What are the best routes for canal boat holiday beginners?
Anglo Welsh offers a variety of beginner-friendly routes across the UK. From the historic beauty of the Kennet & Avon Canal to the scenic Llangollen Canal, there’s something for everyone. Routes without too many locks tend to be best for beginners. Our team can recommend a route tailored to your interests and the duration of your holiday.
Where can I moor overnight and what does it cost?
There are plenty of places to moor your canal boat for free along towpaths, making overnight stops flexible and stress-free. If you prefer additional facilities like water, electricity, or secure mooring, some marinas charge a small fee. Our team can provide route advice, including the best mooring spots along your journey.
How easy is it to operate locks?
Operating locks is a fun part of the canal boat holiday experience, and it’s easier than you might think. During your handover, we’ll explain how to safely work locks. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, and there’s always help at busy locks if you need it.
