With a spring in our step the intrepid Group B Walking Family set off from Bingley Rail Station. After about half a mile, on reaching Bingley Five Rise Locks they collided with A Group, who had started at Saltaire. Bingley Five Rise Locks is an astonishing feat of engineering. It has a gradient of 1:5 rising 60 foot and deserves its reputation as one of The 7 Wonders Of The Waterways.
From here Group B headed back to Bingley and elevenses at the Myrtle Park Tea Rooms, Barista coffee and home baked scones causing a bit of a stampede. Meanwhile Group A strolled back along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, then through woodland and meadows studded with buttercups and bright pink clover. Eagle-eyed walkers spotted goosanders, jays and kingfishers. We also saw wild roses, honeysuckle, elderflower, foxglove and a beached boat full of alliums.
Onwards through the park, Group B picked up the Millennium Way across Shipley Golf Club and through Cottingley Woods. Passing a picturesque hamlet, they continued through Cottingley and onto a footpath by the River Aire, then lunched at the cricket ground. Onwards to the Glen View Café with a promise of the legendary white chocolate cake.
It was so tempting to linger but time was drawing on. B Group hurtled through Nab Wood and back onto the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to Saltaire. Alas, Group A had beat them to Salt Bar and was already availing themselves of the beer. Salt Bar, located within Salt Beer Factory, Taproom and Shop is quite different to our normal pub. Formerly a tramshed, it is spacious, glitzy and modern with a fantastic range of beverages. We loved it. However Josh and Ash had other things to delight our senses, on the afternoon walk.
Our afternoon walk was lead by Ash, with help from Josh. We wandered through the village of Saltaire. Saltaire was built by mill owner and philanthropist Titus Salt to provide better health and homes for his workers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is easy to see why. As you can see, there was lots of interest. We continued past Shipley Glen Tramway, then onto an ice-cream shop, where we all queued for ice-cream. What a perfect end to the day. All too soon it was time to go home, but we will be back.
Thank you to Nigel, Ash and Josh for leading this walk. Photos have been contributed by Carol, Begona, Jacqui and Viv. Our next walk is Sunday July 14th in the Ripon area and will be lead by John and Ash. The coach leaves Doncaster Market Place at 8am. Please contact Phil on 07783953212 if you would like to join us. Hope to see you there.
