When will the towpath close?
The towpath between Hirst Lock in Saltaire and Primrose Lane in Bingley will be closed from Monday 21st October 2024, through Christmas 2024.
Why is the towpath closed?
In collaboration with the Canal & River Trust, Sustrans is upgrading the path by laying a new all-weather surface and widening it to make it more comfortable and accessible for walking, mobility aid use, and cycling.
During this period, the adjacent footpath along the River Aire (Bingley 10 footpath) will also be closed, as it connects to a portion of the towpath undergoing construction. Bradford Council recommends an alternative route via the south side of the aqueduct and Hirst Wood (refer to the map below).
Once the project is complete, the path will reopen to the public with a new tarmac surface. A tar spray and chip finish, matching the towpath near Salts Mill, will be applied in spring 2025 as the weather warms.
Map of the towpath closure and suggested alternative walking route
Map of the Dowley Gap to Hirst Lock Towpath Closure showing alternative walking route
Public Right of Way Closure
A portion of the canal towpath at the western end of the project area also serves as part of the Bingley 10 footpath, a designated Public Right of Way. At the aqueduct, the Bingley 10 footpath diverges from the canal towpath to follow the riverside path along the River Aire.
Since there are no exit points along the River Aire section of this path other than via the towpath:
- The entire Bingley 10 route from Primrose Lane, including the section along the River Aire, will be closed for four weeks beginning October 21, 2024.
- After this four-week period, the Bingley 10 route and the canal towpath from Primrose Lane in Bingley up to the Dowley Gap Aqueduct will reopen.
- However, the canal towpath from Dowley Gap Aqueduct to Hirst Lock in Saltaire will remain closed until the project is fully completed.
During the four-week closure of the Bingley 10 route, the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council recommends an alternative walking route via the southern side of the aqueduct and Hirst Wood as described on the map above.
Which walking routes are likely to be affected?
We have walks on the website affected by this closure and when possible we have now added this temporary diversion in the description.
| Walk Title | Which section affected? |
|---|---|
| Between Two Waters and the Seven Arches Aqueduct | From Primrose Lane to Hirst Lock |
| Bradford Fairtrade Way - Bingley to Baildon | From Primrose Lane to Hirst Lock |
| Escaping the city in Saltaire | From Primrose Lane to Hirst Lock |
| Bradford's Millennium Way | From Primrose Lane to Hirst Lock |
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