Construction work successfully concluded - bridge now fully reconstructed, traffic flow resumed.
The historic canal towpath between Kildwick and Silsden in Yorkshire has been fully renovated and reopened on July 16, 2025, marking the completion of a significant 20-year effort by the Canal & River Trust. This two-mile stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath, previously a "missing link," is now easier and safer for walking, cycling, and wheeling, enhancing active travel options for local communities and supporting cross-county connectivity between North and West Yorkshire.
The renovation project, funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Net Zero Fund, aimed to improve access for leisure and commuting, promote healthier lifestyles through walking and cycling, and strengthen community connections by linking regions. It also demonstrates a commitment to sustainable travel and environmental goals.
Notably, the renovation work included the movement of a bridge and the comprehensive renewal of the towpath section. This timely completion allows walkers, cyclists, and users of wheelchairs to enjoy the towpath without restriction. As a result, the towpath is now fully accessible for everyone.
This renovation is part of a larger initiative to improve towpaths across historic canals, with similar projects underway elsewhere, such as stabilization and resurfacing efforts. However, the specific towpath completion and local impact described above is directly tied to the Yorkshire canal towpath project that was completed in mid-July 2025.
With the towpath now open for use, locals and visitors alike can once again appreciate the beauty of the canal while enjoying a walk, bike ride, or leisurely stroll, all while contributing to a greener, more connected Yorkshire.
The renovation project not only aims to promote healthier lifestyles by fostering outdoor-living and active travel options, but also provides an accessible home-and-garden setting for leisure and communal activities along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath in Yorkshire. As the towpath now caters to walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users, locals and visitors can now fully immerse themselves in the picturesque landscape, cultivating a harmonious connection between nature, recreation, and community.
