Leeds to Bingley canal walk (LLC#1)
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The linear walk from Leeds to Bingley follows a peaceful stretch of the 204km (127.25 miles) Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which opened in 1816 after more than 40 years of construction.
This is Stage 1 of 8 which will span the full length of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
Starting in the vibrant city of Leeds, the route winds northwest through a mix of urban and rural landscapes, passing converted mills, leafy suburbs, and tranquil stretches of water. We'll finish our walk at the Bingley three rise locks, leaving the more dramatic five rise for our next adventure.
It’s a walk that blends industrial heritage with natural beauty, perfect for an OutdoorLads walk and a closer look at the lasting heritage of Yorkshire’s past.
We'll catch the train back from Bingley to Leeds - standard single ticket is £6 (advance single is usually £2.90).
Stage 1: Leeds to Bingley - 30 Aug 2025
Stage 2: Bingley to Gargrave - 20 Sep 2025
Stage 3: Gargrave to Burnley - 21st Feb 2026
Stage 4: Burnley to Blackburn - 21st March 2026
Stage 5: Blackburn to Adlington - 11th April 2026
Stage 6: Adlington to Parbold - 9th May 2026
Stage 7: Parbold to Maghull - 6th June 2026
Stage 8: Maghull to Liverpool - 27th June 2026
Dogs: No dogs on this leg of the walk due to the length of walk and narrow towpaths which will be busy with cyclists and other walkers.
If the event is fully booked: Please join the wait list as people frequently drop out during the week before an event and you are likely to get a place on the walk.
If this is your first OutdoorLads walk event: If this is your first event, we’ll make sure you feel welcomed. Please check out the My First Event page, and don’t hesitate to drop me a message if you have questions or want to know more about this walk.
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this once and before your first event.
Image / photo credits: All images are those of OutdoorLads leaders - with permission for OutdoorLads to use.
What to bring
Water: Bring at least 2 litres if possible. Hot drinks recommended if it's cold and wet.
Medicines: If you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Rucksack: A 20l day backpack or similar. They are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Footwear: Boots recommended, but anything that is sturdy & comfortable. Remember we'll be walking for around 6-7 hours on paved towpaths.
Socks: Proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters.
Layered clothing: Lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid-layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece).
Trousers: Ideally not jeans which become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and easier to dry. On warm days shorts are ok.
Waterproof jacket: Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and drier.
Hat or cap: Hats will keep you warm and protect you from the wind, and give you shade if the sun is shining down on us.
Sunglasses: For any sunny day.
Sun cream: You need to protect your skin from the sun, even on cloudy days.
Snacks: Bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to access.
Lunch: Bring a packed lunch.
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water/juice too, and bring extra if the weather is going to warm.
There’s opportunity before the walk to get snacks from shops at Leeds station (M&S and Sainsburys inside the station). Make sure you have time to explore and get what you need before the start of the walk.
There’s no guarantee of access to food and drink along the route - there's a coffee shop half-way along in Calverley if open, and then around Shipley & Saltaire.