Skipton to Gargrave

Ride along the very scenic canal path from Skipton to Gargrave. Return on the train or back along the canal: A fabulous family ride.

The route at a glance

  • Distance: 5 miles/8km (one way)
  • Approx Time: 1 hour
  • Climb: 5m
  • Start and finish: Start Skipton, Finish Gargrave
  • Parking: Skipton, Gargrave
  • Difficulty: Easy

Must see

Skipton’s iconic canal basin (pictured)

Route points

Head out the rear entrance of Skipton’s Cavendish Street car park and onto the canal path. Turn left and follow this under a couple of bridges as passing through the canal basin.

Cycle along the well-made path, past a couple of canal swing bridges and head out of Skipton under the bypass road. The path becomes a single track with grass sides. Be careful as this can be muddy when wet

Just after the bypass there is a third swing-bridge where you ride along a narrow path between the canal and the road. Lass through the gate or style back onto the canal path.

Follow this and pass under the A59 road and carry on the canal path.

Ride under the A65 and climb or walk up to the top of the lock before carrying on into Gargrave.

Follow the canal path until West Street where you can ride down into Gargrave village.