Bingley to Leeds

I was so impressed with my ride along the towpath of the Liverpool and Leeds Canal in August that I went along again in October for second time to see more of it.
Both rides were based on Leeds, the first an out and back ride, but for this ride took the train to Bingley and cycled back to Leeds.
At Bingley are a series of impressive locks. - one group of five and a further group of three.  Boats are raised/lowered a height of 60 feet at the five rise locks and half that distance by the smaller staircase locks.
Below is an aerial view of the Five Lock System where we start the ride having travelled by train from Sheffield via Leeds. The locks are a short distance North of Bingley Station but not difficult to find as the canal is next to the station.
Cost-wise an economical journey, by using a Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket for the Derby/Sheffield return trip, a single Sheffied to Bingley and a single Leeds back to Sheffield.  Total cost £16.70.

Click on pictures to enlarge to full screen.

Turn right from the railway station, crossing the bridge over the Bingley by pass and the railway. This is your first view of the canal.

Follow the right side path to the bottom of the three rise lock.

On your right is the Damart factory where thermal underwear is manufactured.

First sight of the five rise locks.

The five rise staircase locks lift boats 60 feet. This impressive structure was built in 1772 and although the wooden lock gates have been replaced several times, most of the stonework is original.

A steep climb up this path to the top of the flight.

Passing this reminder of the length of this ride.

Above the top lock we see on the right a popular cafe. The building was originally a stables which housed horses which used to pull the boats before the days of steam and diesel propulsion.
From the top lock turn round and head down the steep path adjacent path and on our way to Leeds.

This bridge takes the towpath over the canal to the left side.

 A view looking downstream from the crossover bridge.

 Shipley Wharf.  This is not my bike, but a "decorative" feature.

Sustrans milepost at Shipley.

 The towpath is Route 66 of the National Cycle Network, not to be confused with Regional Route 66 which encircles the City of Derby.
Regional route signs have a blue background to the numbers.

 Well on our way to Leeds now.

And here we are in back the City of Leeds.

Verdict
An excellent ride alongside the Liverpool and Leeds Canal., mainly on good surfaces with no hills.  Lots of interesting industrial architecture to see and some nice countryside views as well.
Good access from Leeds Railway Station with train links along the line towards Skipton.
A lovely video of a horse drawn boat at the Bingley Five Rise Locks
HERE