Leeds and its surrounding cities were built on industry and development. At the heart of these cities are canals, a waterway network that once provided transport for millions of tonnes of goods every year. Now, they are a place of rest, relaxation and quiet amongst the hustle and bustle of Leeds, Wakefield and Rochdale.

In this article, we explore some of the best canal walks starting from Leeds that are steeped in nature, history and tranquillity.

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is the longest canal in the country, and a walk along its banks offers a glimpse of the city’s industrial past. The canal stretches for over 127 miles, and the Leeds section covers around 28 miles. The Leeds section of the canal starts in the centre of the city and heads out towards the countryside, providing a mix of urban and rural landscapes. The walk takes you through several locks, bridges, and tunnels, including the Bingley Five Rise Locks, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways.

The Aire and Calder Navigation is another canal that passes through Leeds, offering walkers a chance to explore the city’s waterways. The canal starts from Leeds and heads towards Goole, passing through several locks, aqueducts, and swing bridges. A walk along the Aire and Calder Navigation will take you through the heart of Leeds, passing several historical buildings and landmarks, such as the Royal Armouries Museum and the Leeds Industrial Museum.

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is a picturesque waterway that passes through the Pennine hills and the stunning countryside of West Yorkshire. The canal connects Huddersfield to Ashton-under-Lyne and offers a challenging yet rewarding walk. The canal features several locks, tunnels, and viaducts, including the Standedge Tunnel, which is the longest, highest, and deepest canal tunnel in the country. A walk along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is a great way to explore the stunning countryside of West Yorkshire, passing through quaint towns and villages along the way.

The Rochdale Canal is a waterway that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Leeds. The canal starts in Manchester and passes through Rochdale and Hebden Bridge, finally ending in Sowerby Bridge. A walk along the Rochdale Canal takes you through the stunning countryside of West Yorkshire, passing through several picturesque towns and villages. The canal features several locks, aqueducts, and tunnels, including the magnificent Summit Tunnel, which is over a mile long.

The Calder and Hebble Navigation is a canal that connects Wakefield to Sowerby Bridge, passing through several towns and villages along the way. The canal features several locks, aqueducts, and tunnels, including the Salterhebble Tunnel, which is over 1,300 meters long. A walk along the Calder and Hebble Navigation offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, passing through several historical buildings and landmarks, such as the Wakefield Cathedral and the Shibden Hall.