Distance: just short of 6 miles.
Total Elevation Gain: 337ft.

Start Point: Public toilets, Gargrave

This is a pleasant circular walk starting and finishing in Gargrave, combining short riverside path, open countryside, and a long, relaxing stretch along the canal. The route is relatively easy, with the gentle (around 170ft) inclines early on and flat walking for the latter half.

We stop for the morning coffee at the services on the A59. Then onto Gargrave where the walk begins at the public toilets in Gargrave. There are only two toilets available.

From the start point, we head across the bridge over the River Aire. Care is needed here due to traffic when crossing.

After the bridge, the walk briefly follows the river. Along this section, you can see the stepping stones which cross the river they have been in place for about 40 years I did not include them in the walk mainly as the time we would take to cross would be to long and you need to be a little sure footed which I am not and did not want to end up soaking wet and laughed at, but feel free after the walk to undertake crossing them at your own risk and remembering it’s a long walk home if you fall in as Ian won’t want any soggy pants on the coach home. The route then continues towards a very quiet country lane, with some nice views, I am hoping that I am right in saying the hills we see looking towards Skipton are Sharp Haw and Rough Haw, please put me right if I am wrong.

From here, the walk crosses fields. This early section contains the main inclines of the route, for about 2 miles though none are particularly difficult. There are two stiles to negotiate; otherwise, gates are used throughout. On the day of the recce, the fields were dry, with only sheep present. After leaving the fields, we have a three minute incline (I thought it was steep but it is not that bad) up to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. This marks the final incline—beyond this point, the walk is relatively flat along uneven tow paths.

Once on the canal towpath, we follow it for approximately 30 minutes before reaching a suitable lunch stop (around 70 minutes from start of walk). With a bench and wall available for sitting — though care should be taken to make sure the wall is stable (no one wants a Humpty Dumpty situation). Unfortunately, there is no cover anywhere so hope we have a dry day.

After lunch, the walk continues along the canal, passing several locks. On the recce day, there were barges travelling along the canal, adding interest to this section. With a bit of luck, you may see boats navigating the locks. We also saw two sets of nesting swans so they should be hatched by the time we do the walk. We continue along the towpath back into Gargrave.

Gargrave offers a couple of pub options and cafés at the end of the walk:

The Masons Arms – The group is welcome to call in for drinks, though seating may be outside. It’s a friendly, traditional country pub with a sociable atmosphere.
Old Swan Inn – Located on the other side of the village, offering an alternative stop.
I also believe there are two cafes one across the road from the toilets and one further up the road towards the stepping stones, but we never found that one.