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Routes from Silsden
The Outer Pennine Ring
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
28 nights 
175 miles 
115 hours 
220 locks 
Experienced boaters only
The Outer Pennine Ring
Leeds Travelling in the direction of Leeds along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Silsden, you’ll enjoy views beautiful views of the River Aire and the West Yorkshire countryside. You’ll cruise for 22 miles, through 29 locks before you reach Leeds Bridge. You’ll go through the Bingley Five Rise Locks, UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire, Apperley Bridge, Kirkstall and Leeds.
Aire & Calder Navigation (Main Line) At Leeds Bridge, transfer onto the Aire & Calder Navigation Main Line. You’ll cruise 10 miles through 5 locks to Castleford Junction.
Aire & Calder Navigation (Wakefield Section) When you reach Castleford Junction you’ll transfer onto the Aire & Calder Navigation Wakefield Section. You’ll cruise for 7 miles, through 4 locks to Fall Ing Junction. At Stanley Ferry you’ll pass the Canal & River Trust’s lock gates workshop.
Calder & Hebble Navigation At Fall Ing Junction you’ll transfer onto the Calder & Hebble Navigation. You’ll cruise for 12 miles, through 13 locks to Cooper Bridge Junction. This section includes Wakefield and the waterside Hepworth Wakefield Gallery.
Huddersfield Broad Canal When you reach Cooper Bridge Junction, transfer onto the Huddersfield Broad Canal. You’ll travel 3 miles, through 9 locks and then you’ll reach Aspley Basin.
Huddersfield Narrow Canal This section of the journey will travel 23 miles, through 74 locks, and through the 5,698-yard long Standedge Tunnel. Passage through the tunnel must be booked in advance wih the Canal & River Trust.
Ashton Canal (Main Line) When you reach Ashton-under-Lyne Junction, you’ll transfer onto the Ashton Canal Main Line. Travel on for 6 miles through 18 locks to Ducie Street Junction.
Rochdale Canal At Ducie Street Junction, transfer onto the Rochdale Canal and travel on for one mile and 9 locks until you reach Castlefield Junction.
Bridgewater Canal (Main Line) At Castlefield Junction, transfer onto the Bridgewater Canal Main Line. Travel on for 2 miles to Stretford – Waters Meeting.
Bridgewater Canal (Stretford & Leigh Branch) At Stretford transfer onto the Bridgewater Canal Stretford & Leigh Branch. Cruise on for 10 miles to Leigh Bridge.
Leeds & Liverpool Canal (Leigh Branch) At Leigh Bridge, you’ll transfer onto the Leeds & Liverpool Canal (Leigh Branch). Cruise on another 7 miles through 2 locks to Wigan Junction.
Leeds & Liverpool Canal (Main Line) At Wigan Junction, transfer onto the Leeds & Liverpool Canal (Main Line).
Silsden From Wigan Junction back to Silsden you’ll cruise 69 miles and you’ll go through 56 locks, including the Wigan Flight. You’ll pass through Blackburn, you’ll cross the Burnley Embankment, you’ll go through Barrowford Locks, Foulridge Tunnel, Gargrave (Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales) and you’ll pass Skipton Castle.
NB The maximum boat dimensions for this route are:
- Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Length 60ft Beam 14ft 3ins
- Calder & Hebble Navigation – Length 59ft (57ft 6in Wide Beam) Beam 14ft
- Huddersfield Broad Canal – Length 59ft (57ft 6in Wide Beam) Beam 14ft
- Huddersfield Narrow Canal – Length 70ft Beam 6ft 10ins
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.
