'The Aire Valley Towpath Route links the 22 km length of towpath on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal between Leeds and Saltaire, and is suitable for all towpath users including walkers, cyclists, anglers and mobility impaired users. The route provides a wonderful opportunity to explore part of the longest canal in Britain. It encompasses vibrant urban areas, beautiful countryside and the peace and quiet of a canalside location. The route is being extended to Skipton with the first section to Bingley to be completed by Summer 2003 and the length to Skipton in 2004.

'Following the route from Leeds to Saltaire, you will discover a variety of attractions and places of interest. Starting from Granary Wharf on the edge of the city centre, the towpath takes you on a peaceful route through the bustling city of Leeds. You will pass a number of historic buildings including Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, Kirkstall Brewery (now Leeds University student accommodation) and medieval Kirkstall Abbey on the banks of the River Aire. From here, the canal meanders through the attractive rural areas and towns including Bramley Falls, Rodley, including the Nature Reserve adjacent to the waterway, Calverley Woods, Apperley Bridge, Buck Woods at Thackley, the junction of the old Bradford Canal and the town of Shipley before reaching its destination at the World Heritage Site village of Saltaire, home to Salts Mill and a collection of David Hockney paintings. A short distance away, you can take a ride on the Shipley Glen Tramway and visit Brackenhall Countryside Centre.'