The project is a partnership between Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans), the Canal and River Trust, and Bradford Council. The construction will focus on a 0.5-kilometre stretch of the towpath between the iconic Bingley Five Rise Locks and the Three Rise Locks.

Key improvements include:

• Widening and resurfacing the towpath to remove mud and uneven ground.
• Enhanced accessibility for mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and families with buggies.
• Seamless connection for those travelling between Bingley, Saltaire, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sarah Bradbury, Network Development Manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said:

“This essential work will improve accessibility along this stretch, removing muddy puddles and uneven paths making this a more welcoming space for the local community and visitors alike to experience the benefits of getting out in nature.”

Mark Robinson, Enterprise Manager at Canal & River Trust, added:

“It’s fantastic to see this towpath improvement scheme under construction, providing better access to ‘one of the wonders of the waterways’, Bingley Five Rise Locks. It’s so important that we work with other organisations to keep our historic canals open and alive.”

The upgrades are expected to be completed by this summer. During construction, sections of the towpath will be closed. Pedestrians may divert through Bingley Bog Nature Reserve, though these routes are not suitable for cyclists or those with limited mobility.

​The funding will launch an ambitious project titled Opening up the Saltaire Collection, aimed at transforming the archive from a restricted “appointment-only” resource into a vibrant, community-led heritage hub. Key to the project is the creation of permanent exhibition spaces and fit-for-purpose, environmentally controlled storage to protect fragile items currently at risk of deterioration.

​The project seeks to break down barriers to engagement by co-producing exhibitions with local residents. This collaborative approach will ensure the collection reflects a broader range of voices, including diverse stories of migration and labour within Bradford’s famous textile industry.

​Maggie Smith, Trustee at Saltaire World Heritage Education Association, said:

​“We are absolutely delighted to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can now open up the Saltaire Collection to everyone—protecting these important objects while working with our communities to share new stories, increase access and ensure this heritage is valued and sustained for generations to come.”

​By improving conservation and making the archives freely accessible, the SWHEA aims to secure the long-term sustainability of the collection and foster a deeper sense of pride in Saltaire’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Food lovers are in for a treat, with an impressive lineup of vendors serving up mouth-watering dishes throughout the weekend. From the sizzling flavours of The Otley Burger Company and Farsley Fire & Smoke to the cheesy delights of Yorkshire Pizza and Jay’s Pizza Project, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Festival-goers can also indulge in Disco Fries, Yorkshire Hot Dogs, and sweet scoops from Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream.

The festival isn’t just about food and drink – live music will be setting the mood, creating the perfect backdrop for an Easter weekend filled with good vibes. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a fun way to spend the holiday, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Sunday Funday on 20th April promises extra excitement for families, with a bouncy castle, face painting, and a variety of entertainment to keep children entertained throughout the day. Alongside all the fun, local businesses will be showcasing their handcrafted goods, giving visitors the chance to support independent traders while discovering unique products.

Libby Simpson, Marketing Manager at Saltaire Brewery, said: “Saltaire Brewery’s Easter Festival is all about great beer, food, and fun for all ages. We’re thrilled to bring the community together for a weekend of music, tasty eats, and family-friendly activities.”

Taking place at Saltaire Brewery on Dockfield Road, Shipley, the festival runs from 2:00 pm until late each day. With free entry and a packed schedule of entertainment, it’s set to be a must-visit event for locals and visitors alike. Gather your friends and family, and head down for an Easter celebration to remember!

The charity Sustrans worked with waterways charity Canal & River Trust and Bradford Council to widen the path and lay a new asphalt surface on the two-mile stretch of towpath between Otley Road Bridge and Hirst Lock on the canal.  

Muddy potholes were filled in, the path was widened to 2.5 metres and the path has been finished with a natural stone gravel over the asphalt. 

There’s also a colourful new mural on Otley Road Bridge in Shipley which highlights local heritage, to celebrate the new-look path. It encourages people to explore the popular route, which is part of the National Cycle Network. 

Students from Shipley College worked with Sustrans to design and paint a 33-metre-long mural featuring Saltaire’s philanthropist founder Titus Salt, Shipley Glen tramway and the historic Five Rise Locks in Bingley.  

The work is part of wider plans to improve access along the National Cycle Network which follows a large section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. This will allow more people to access both the canal and local attractions along the way, using mobility scooters and other mobility aids, as well as families with buggies, and those on foot or bicycle.  

Thanks to support from Sustrans Paths for Everyone programme, Canal & River Trust will begin work on a second phase of towpath improvements later this year between Hirst Lock and Primrose Lane. 

Sustrans is the UK’s walking, wheeling and cycling charity and custodian for the National Cycle Network. Canal & River Trust is the waterways charity that looks after 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, including the iconic Leeds & Liverpool Canal.  

This partnership project with the council is all part of a national programme led by Sustrans and funded by the Department for Transport, to improve the National Cycle Network and create accessible paths for everyone. The Government-funded Shipley Towns Fund also committed £23,500 for towpath improvements and a grant for the mural. 

Satwant Singh, 75, leads local cycling groups along the path and has cycled between Liverpool and Leeds in one day. He welcomes the improvements.  

“I’m so glad that this little route has been tarred. It makes such a big difference.  

“Before there were potholes everywhere and it was a challenge to have a ride. But now it is a perfect joy. More and more people are using it. I think it’s going to be very popular route now.” 

Josh Molyneux, Sustrans Network Development Manager for Yorkshire said: “This section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal has always been popular for people walking and cycling for leisure, tourism and commuting. This project has smoothed out the potholes and opened out the track so it’s now accessible for people using mobility scooters and double buggies too.  

“It’s part of our work across the UK to upgrade the National Cycle Network and enable many more people to enjoy our routes.  

“This is very much a collaborative project and we’re very grateful to all the partners involved. In the longer term, we want to work with the Canal & River Trust and local authorities to further improve accessibility on the towpath. 

Mark Robinson, enterprise manager at Canal & River Trust, said:  

“These towpath improvements have made it easier for people to access and enjoy the canal. As a charity, we rely on grant funding and external support to allow us to carry out towpath improvements and we are delighted to have worked closely with Sustrans and Bradford Council on this project.   

“Canal & River Trust is the largest waterways charity working to care for and protect 2,000 miles of the nation’s much-loved historic canals and river navigations. This includes 317 miles of waterways in Yorkshire, like the magnificent Leeds & Liverpool Canal, the longest canal in the country. 

“Our charity faces soaring costs of looking after our canals at a time when available funding is stretched. So, it’s more important than ever that we continue to receive and grow support to ensure that canals are properly funded and supported, so we can keep canals alive, available and safe for the everyone to enjoy for many years to come.” 

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “This event is a great way to showcase the work that has been done to make this route more accessible for everyone and enjoy the local scenery.” 

This section of the canal towpath is part of route 696 on the National Cycle Network. It runs from Leeds to Bingley and links up with route 66 to Bradford.  

Previous accessibility and surface upgrades were carried out on the route near Five Rise Locks in Bingley, and from the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds to Woodlesford.  

Modern Saltaire is a thriving village with an abundance of things to do, places to eat and a strong dash of culture being available to all – Salts Mill even houses a collection of artwork from Bradford-born artist David Hockney.

This video gives an unparalleled glimpse into the village, showing some of the shops which once existed here as well as many of the streets that you can easily recognise today. Please enjoy!

With a packed calendar of unique events ranging from Beer Festivals to Vintage Fairs, if you’re in the region for a bite to eat, fear not, there’s a wonderful selection of restaurants for you to enjoy.

In this roundup, we’re including restaurants, as well as pubs which serve food. You’ll find a local pub with some of the best Pizza in Bradford, a French Cafe by day which transforms into a romantic restaurant in the evening and a waterside bar with unrivaled views of Roberts Park.

The Boathouse

The stand out feature of The Boathouse is undoubtedly its riverside position. Probably the busiest pub in Saltaire when the suns out – its relaxing atmosphere, great service and the excellent view is complemented by an eclectic menu.

Set within a “boathouse” which was built back in 1871, The Boathouse is a part of Saltaire History that’s been lovingly restored and brought firmly into the 21st century.

As well as catering for those wanting bar snacks, sandwiches all the way to three-course menus, The Boathouse serves pub classics as well as some more contemporary options.

La Rue

One of the longest standing restaurants in the area, La Roux has been part of Saltaire’s makeup for over 27 years. Over the years, they’ve welcome thousands of customers and hosted countless family get-togethers.

With a menu full of Modern British dishes, perhaps the best time to visit La Rue is in the week, where they offer two courses for just £12.95.

Don’t Tell Titus

Aptly named to highlight an interesting aspect of Saltaire’s history – the fact that alcohol was prohibited when it was founded. Don’t Tell Titus is slap bang in the middle of Saltaire, just a stone’s throw from the train station.

A stylish, welcoming bar and restaurant, as well as an eclectic menu offering a diverse range of dishes including a fantastic selection of tapas dishes the upstairs restaurant area offers a separate menu. As a result, Don’t Tell Titus is a popular destination for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. As well as a great menu, with a fully stocked bar and well trained bar staff, they offer an extensive cocktail menu and a good range of both local and international beers.

Salts Bar & Kitchen

Formerly The Tramshed, then The Hop, Salts Bar & Kitchen was recently renovated, bringing a taste of a big city bar to the suburb of Saltaire.

With a diverse menu, which features dishes perfect for Lunch, Dinner and even a quick bite to eat, Salts Bar & Kitchen is extensive, offering separate areas for dining and drinking.

Within the bar and restaurant, you’ll find a hefty selection of drinks, with beers pumping straight from the open brewery. To complement the drinks, the kitchen produces a variety of dishes, including wood-fired Pizza, Burgers, Sharing platters and much more.

The Terrace

On the busy top row in Saltaire, The Terrace is open for Brunch, Lunch and Dinner. Specialising in French cuisine, what is a bustling cafe, popular for Brunch, throughout the day becomes a delightful candle-lit restaurant by night.

As well as an Early Bird Fixed Price Menu, the restaurant offers a full a la carte menu which includes adventurous French dishes like Snails in Garlic & Parsley Butter and Frogs Legs in Garlic & Creme Fraiche.

However, if you’re not comfortable with the idea of these French classics, there’s a whole lot more on offer, including Boeuf Bourguignon and the like. Perfect for a romantic evening with your partner or a relaxing night off from the dishes.

The Olive Cafe

The always well received Olive Cafe is another great option for restaurant goers in Saltaire. With an eclectic menu, which includes dishes inspired by the Mediterranean the Olive Cafe is one of the most reasonably priced options on this roundup.

Throughout the day, the Olive Cafe is a wonderful cafe, which serves Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch – however, in the evening the menu expands to include a variety of dishes.

Jinnah Bistro

The compact yet inviting Jinnah’s Bistro is part of a larger restaurant group with no less than 6 restaurants.

Named after the founder of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the restaurant specialises in Kashmiri Indian cuisine and boasts a delectable menu of both traditional and contemporary dishes.

With a select number of seats, eating at Jinnah’s Bistro is an intimate experience, the restaurant’s beautifully decorated and the team offers a personable service.