Airedale Greenway Explorer

Sky Ride Local in Bradford

At just under 12 miles, this ride meanders from Roberts Park, Saltaire, along woodland tracks and quiet urban roads before joining the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath at the famous Bingley Five Rise Locks to head west to the 17th century manor house East Riddlesden Hall, owned by the National Trust.  Predominantly on canal towpaths, this ride will suit families looking to discover the gems of the Airedale Valley. Industrial history abounds in the area, with philanthropic industrialist Titus Salt's wonderful Saltaire one of the main attractions. 

The engineering marvel of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is also a sight to behold, with the famous Five Rise Locks at Bingley being a great photo opportunity. Built in 1774, the lock staircase is the steepest in the country, lifting narrowboats nearly 60ft over its 320ft length. However, the ride, unlike the locks, is mostly flat so you can concentrate on enjoying the sights, not gasping for breath!

For more information on East Riddlesden Hall please click on the link below
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall/

If you’re fairly confident on your bike and ready to broaden your cycling horizons, our Steady rides are ideal. At a comfortable pace, and possibly with some modest hills along the way, rides take place on mainly quiet roads with plenty of sights along the way. Rides are between 6 and 20 miles long, at a moderate pace of between 7 and 10 miles an hour.

© National Trust Images / Arnhel De Serra
This ride uses part of National Cycle Network (NCN) route 696. To find out more about the NCN and other great places to cycle near you everyday, go to the Sustrans website (http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/national-cycle-network).

Additional Information

Helmets must be worn by all under 18's regardless of ride level.
Please make sure your bike is in good working order and bring equipment with you to repair punctures, Ride Leaders are there to help but are not responsible for your bike.
All rides leave at the time stated you must arrive early Ride Leaders will not wait. 

Children under the age of 5 do not need to register and must be in a BSA approved child seat, trailer or tag-a-long.

Meet the Ride Leaders

• Dave Dodwell I've been cycling to work and for pleasure as long as I care to remember. Cycling is a great way to relax and see the countryside. My two daughters grew up learning to ride, and now commute to work and enjoy leisure cycling with their families. Now that I have retired I would like to help others to share the enjoyment that I have.
• Robert Brough I have been cycling for a number of years. I regularly cycle to work in Keighley and have enjoyed a number of cycling holidays with friends taking in many scenic routes in the north of England.
  Following my training as a Sky Ride Assistant/Leader I am looking forward to helping people hopefully many new to cycling to enjoy its benefits and the freedom it can bring.
  I assisted and lead on a number of Sky Ride rides in 2010/11/12 around Bradford and really enjoyed this especially meeting new riders and seeing how they developed over the season.
  Looking forward to the 2013 ride programme, hopefully with more new riders and new rides on this our 4th year in Bradford

Rider Comments on the Route

1. Jonathan Forrest Sunday 25th May
   
2. jill wilson Monday 8th August
   lovely little ride great to learn new rides in the area. Thanks to the team
3. Judy Robinson Sunday 7th August
   
4. Judy Robinson Friday 24th June
   Thoroughly enjoyed the ride, lovely to see the youngsters out