The circular walk, canal route and building history give Silsden different highlights for a stay. The Around Silsden Reservoir circular walk is 8.8 kilometres long; the canal path to Kildwick is 3.2 kilometres and has clearly defined start and end points. There is also the scenery along the Leeds Liverpool Canal, industrial heritage buildings and events at the Town Hall. This gives you the chance to discover walking, culture and transport planning as different aspects of the town.
Walking: Circular Walk or Canal Path
The Around Silsden Reservoir circular walk is 5.5 miles, or 8.8 kilometres, long. It runs mostly across farmland and also includes the Leeds Liverpool Canal and woodland. The route forms a loop, making its layout different from the path to Kildwick.
Another route is the Silsden Circular Walk. It starts in the town centre, leads to views of Silsden Reservoir and the upper Aire Valley, and returns via Brunthwaite. The views here extend beyond the reservoir into the upper Aire Valley; Brunthwaite is part of the return route. These details describe a separate walk, not the route of the Around Silsden Reservoir circular walk.
The canal path from Silsden to Kildwick is shorter than the reservoir loop, at 3.2 kilometres or 2 miles. It starts at Silsden Bridge and ends at Redman Swing Bridge. Along the way, you follow a grassy towpath, pass fields bordered by dry-stone walls and enjoy views of the River Aire valley and the hills beyond. Its start and end points make it a different route choice from the loop around the reservoir.
Canal, Landscape and Cycling Connection
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which runs through Silsden, is designated as a Conservation Area. Brunthwaite is also within a designated Conservation Area: the hamlet lies just east of Silsden on Hawber Lane. Two other landscape features are distinguished by their locations: the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Local Wildlife Site runs along the southern edge of Silsden, while the Silsden Reservoir Local Wildlife Site lies north of the town.
Signs for canoe portage points are posted on the towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Silsden. The entire canal is part of the Desmond Family Canoe Trail. This means that the portage signs relate to the area near Silsden, while the canoe trail covers the entire canal.
For cyclists, National Cycle Network Route NCN 69/696/66 provides a traffic-free connection between Silsden and Leeds. Buses offer another way to get around: there is a regular service from Keighley to Silsden, and the bus service from Keighley to Ilkley also passes through Silsden. If you plan to use one of these connections, check the appropriate service for your travel date.
Local History and Events
Waterloo Mill reflects Silsden’s industrial history. The former worsted mill, its chimney and its engine house are listed as Grade II* buildings. The designation covers the named parts of the former mill and describes their listed status.
The history of Silsden Town Hall is also linked to an earlier purpose of the building: it was established as a Mechanics Institute, and its foundation stone was laid in 1883. Its events programme includes concerts, comedy and talks. If you would like to include an event in your stay, check the dates for your travel dates.
Another historic landmark is the Church of St James the Great. It was originally built in 1712 and altered in 1816. Together with Waterloo Mill and the Town Hall, its building history offers a different focus from the routes along the canal and around the reservoir.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Farsley, Collingham, Skelmanthorpe, Holmbridge, Normanton, Ripponden, Oakworth, Elland.
Return to the main travel overview: West Yorkshire.
