Hirst Wood to Bingley 5 Rise Cafe - towpath ride

A gentle, social ride along the canal towpath, from Hirst Wood to Bingley 5 Rise locks.  We will meet in the car park at the bottom of Hirst Lane, close to Hirst Lock (just along the towpath from the World Heritage village of Saltaire).  After a quick bike check we'll set off along this short section of the Aire Valley Towpath Route towards Bingley, cycling alongside the Leeds-Liverpool Canal - the longest canal in Britain. The route takes in the open countryside between Shipley and Bingley. From Hirst Wood we'll cross the aqueduct to Dowley Gap, then on to the Three Rise and Five Rise locks at Bingley.  The Five Rise Locks are a unique staircase of five locks running directly into each other - they are currently undergoing restoration (which should be completed in the spring). We will take a break at the café at the top of Five Rise Locks, and then return to Hirst Wood arriving back around 2.00 p.m.. The ride is a total distance of around 6 miles and is mostly flat (cycling up the hill at the side of the locks is optional!). This is an easy route on a flat path which is mostly well-surfaced and in good condition. 

Newcomers to Breeze rides are very welcome.  It's a good idea to bring some water and you may also want to bring a snack if you think your energy levels may need topping up on the way to the cafe.  Wearing a helmet is advisable, though not essential.

Please bring some money if you want to buy refreshments at the cafe.

The towpath can get very muddy after rain, so please bear this in mind when choosing what to wear for the ride ;-)  If the path is icy, the ride will be cancelled. We look forward to seeing you there!