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Routes from Silsden
Sowerby Bridge & back
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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The Route
14 nights 
123 miles 
75 hours 
132 locks 
All levels
Sowerby Bridge & back
River Aire 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.
Swing bridges There’s a series of historic swing bridges along this section of the canal, each needing to be unlocked and lifted.
Stockbridge Within 3 miles, the canal passes through Stockbridge, next to Keighley, home of Cliffe Castle. The Marquis of Granby pub is next to the canal soon after Stockbridge Swing Bridge.
Riddlesden Next you’ll cruise through Riddlesden and past the National Trust’s East Riddlesden Hall.
Bingley Five Rise Locks Two miles on from Riddlesden, you’ll reach the Five Rise Locks Swing Bridge, Bingley Five Rise Cafe and then the Bingley Five Rise Locks, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. These locks open directly from one to another, with the top gate of one forming the bottom of the next. It takes around 1.5 hours to work through the locks. The size of the chambers can be intimidating even for experienced boaters, but lock-keepers are on hand to help.
Bingley Three Rise Locks After the Three Rise Locks Swing Bridge, you’ll reach Bingley Three Rise Locks.
Saltaire Just under 2 miles, 3 locks and 1 swing bridge later, you’ll reach Saltaire. Moor up to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Salts Mill, home of the Hockney Gallery and The Boathouse Inn. You can turn the boat around after Junction Bridge 208 and make your way back to Silsden.
Field 3 locks Continue cruising through the beautiful Aire Valley, and just under 2 miles and 3 swing bridge on from Saltaire, you’ll reach Field 3 locks.
Apperley Bridge 1.5 miles, 3 swing bridges and 2 locks later later you’ll reach Apperley Bridge, where there’s a fish and chip shop and choice of pubs, including The Stansfield and Dog & Gun. There’s also at café at the marina.
Rodley Continue following the Aire Valley and 3 miles and 3 swing bridges on from Apperley Bridge you’ll reach Rodley, home to the canalside Rodley Barge pub, The Railway Inn and The Owl Inn.
Newlay Just over 1 mile and 2 swing bridges later you’ll reach the canalside Abbey Inn and the three locks at Newlay.
Kirkstall Less than 1 mile later you’ll go through Forge Three Locks and then you’ll reach Kirkstall with Cistercian Abbey ruins and Abbey House Museum. The canalside West End House pub is next to Wyther Bridge no.223.
Leeds Dock Just over 3 miles and 4 locks later you reach Leeds Dock where you can moor up to explore the city. There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city. For example, you can visit the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds Dock, Leeds Industrial Museum on Canal Street and the famous Victorian shopping arcades. There are many great places to eat out in Leeds, including Eat Your Greens next to Outlaws Yacht Club.
Aire & Calder Navigation Transfer onto the Aire & Calder Navigation and continue heading east.
Castleford Junction When you reach Castleford you’ll find lots of pubs, including The Boat Inn, The Anchor and The Junction.
Stanley Ferry Continue on, passing the Canal & River Trust’s Stanley Ferry Workshops where they make locks gates. The Stanley Ferry pub is canalside here.
Fall Ing Junction At Fall Ing Junction you’ll transfer onto the Calder & Hebble Navigation.
Wakefield You’ll go through Wakefield with its canalside Ruddy Duck and Navigation Inn and the waterside Hepworth Wakefield Gallery.
Shepley Bridge The journey will take you on through Horbury and then Shepley Bridge with its Ship Inn.
Mirfield At Mirfield you’ll find the Navigation Tavern then you’ll go through Cooper Bridge.
Brighouse At Brighouse you’ll pass Jeremy’s at The Boat House and The Richard Oastler is in the town on Bethel Street.
Elland At Elland you can visit the Barge & Barrell and at Salterhebble the Watermill.
Sowerby Bridge At Sowerby Bridge you can turn and then moor up to visit The Moorings pub and explore this historic market town in Calderdale.
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.
