Saltaire to Bingley

 Wednesday 5th February 2025.          Saltaire to Bingley 

It’s their first outing in February this year and the Lads have chosen to stretch their legs with a canal side walk between the West Yorkshire towns of Saltaire and Bingley, a distance of about 3 miles or so.

Derek, Dave, Brian and Glenn would be taking the 10:26 Skipton train departing from Leeds arriving at Saltaire station some twenty minutes later, there to meet them would be John and Mark. A quick hello to all and soon they were on their way, first port of call a rather brief visit to the Victoria Hall, this proved to be a splendid adorned building a relic of Titus Salt, from here it was on to another of his impressive construction that of Salts Mill , today it is the home of many examples of local artist David Hockney’s work. They spent about 40 minutes admiring the artwork on display before venturing down towards the canal and follow the recently restored toe path in the direction of nearby town Bingley, a brief moment was now spent at the local attraction of the 5 rise locks, constructed in bygone days to facilitate the movement of narrow boats along this particular stretch of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal , a great fete of engineering. 

With the time at almost 1:00 pm the lads now headed for their lunchtime meal venue, on this occasion it would be at the Loft, a pleasant and cosy little cafe situated on the high street here in Bingley, John had pre booked us a table, this proved to be a good call as it was rather busy to say the least. Once seated we now began to make our choices from the rather extensive menu along with a drink of our taste. It wasn’t too long before our meals were served and we relished them with gusto whilst chatting about future outings etc. We spent just over an hour in the comfort of the Loft cafe before making our exit, it was now on towards the railway station here in Bingley and catch the next train heading towards Leeds.

 

It was due in about 15 minutes, so we spent a short while in the waiting room getting up to mischief with our renditions of Doe Ray Me much to the delight of the other passengers. Time to bid farewell to John and wish him well for his upcoming holiday the rest of climbing aboard the 14:36 and heading homeward bound, first to leave the train was Mark at Shipley , the rest continued on to Leeds .