Walk or Cycle from Leeds into the Yorkshire Dales – A Perfect Car-Free Adventure
Our friends at The Canals & Rivers Trust have put together this itinerary covering everything that you need to know if you decide to take on this brand new/200 year old route.
Joining the Leeds and Liverpool canal with Leeds Station as the starting point, this is the ideal weekend break for anyone wanting a greener, more sustainable adventure. Whether you choose to cycle the whole route or take a leisurely walk with a halfway overnight stay, this guide covers everything you need to know.
All links for further information are at the bottom of the page.
As you journey along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath, you’ll pass through some of Yorkshire’s most iconic spots, including:
UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire A beautifully preserved Victorian model village with culture, history, and great coffee spots.
5 Rise Locks One of the most impressive feats of canal engineering in the UK.
White Lion at Kildwick A traditional pub with hearty food and a warm welcome.
Slaters Arms at Bradley A charming, dog-friendly country pub with a great pint.
Skipton Castle Over 900 years of history in the “Gateway to the Dales.”
Mason’s Arms at Gargrave A proper Yorkshire pub with a cosy atmosphere, the perfect place to end your trip.
Friday Night Stay: If you’re arriving in Leeds the night before, stay in the buzzing Leeds Dock area, home to top hotels like Malmaison, Novotel, and the DoubleTree by Hilton.
Start Point:Leeds Dock, right by the city centre.
Total Distance: 34 miles (or 29 miles if you end in Skipton).
Halfway Stay: Rest your legs at the Busfeild Arms – a characterful pub just off the towpath, right at the halfway point.
Return Travel:Trains from Gargrave (& Skipton) run regularly back to Leeds and take just under 50 minutes.
Dog-Friendly Option: If walking with a four-legged friend, Herriots Hotel in Skipton is a great pet-friendly stay.
Ride all the way to Gargrave and stay overnight before heading back to Leeds the next day.
Where to Stay in Gargrave:
• The Mason’s Arms – A proper Yorkshire pub with a warm welcome.
• The Old Swan Inn – A cosy, traditional spot.
• Old Hall Croft Barn B&B – A charming and comfortable stay
If you need a bike, Talio Electric Bikes in Leeds offers weekend bike hire from £70, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
• Completely car-free & sustainable – Easy to reach from anywhere in the UK by train.
• Breathtaking scenery – From canalside views to rolling countryside.
• Cosy country pubs & historic landmarks – The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Whether you’re cycling or walking, this is one of the best ways to escape the city and immerse yourself in the Yorkshire countryside. So pack your walking boots or hop on a bike – and let the adventure begin!
With a network of around 2,000 miles of waterways, the Canals & Rivers Trust are bound to have a guide covering a day out close to you. Head to their website now for your free downloadable guides to walks across England & Wales
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