Apperley Bridge to Leeds Canal Walk

8.9 miles (14.4 km)

This walk takes you along a section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal from Apperley Bridge to Leeds. The route starts at Apperley Bridge Basin and runs for about 9 miles, following the towpath east past Calverley Wood to Calverley Bridge.... The route continues past Newlay Locks and Kirkstall before finishing at Canal Wharf next to the train station in Leeds.
The fine walk follows the final stretch of Britain's longest canal as it approaches the centre of Leeds. Opened in stages between 1770 and 1816, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal played a vital role in the Industrial Revolution, carrying coal, textiles, limestone and other goods between Yorkshire and Lancashire. Today the level towpath provides an excellent route for walkers through a changing landscape of woodland, riverside scenery and historic industrial sites.
Leaving Apperley Bridge, the canal passes the wooded slopes of Calverley Wood before continuing through peaceful suburban sections with traditional stone bridges, lock cottages and colourful narrowboats. At Newlay Locks the canal descends towards the River Aire, while the surrounding trees and waterside vegetation provide habitat for kingfishers, herons, swans, ducks and a variety of dragonflies.
The route then passes Kirkstall, where a short detour leads to the impressive ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, one of the best-preserved medieval Cistercian monasteries in Britain. The final section follows the regenerated waterfront into Leeds city centre, finishing at Canal Wharf. Nearby attractions include the historic waterfront, the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds Dock and the city's extensive shopping, dining and cultural attractions.