The best walks and hikes around Silsden

The hiking trails around Silsden offer a classic Yorkshire experience. You can expect a mix of flat, easy-going towpaths along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, gentle ascents through rolling farmland marked by traditional dry-stone walls, and more challenging climbs onto open moorland with expansive views.

Yes, Silsden is an excellent base for circular hikes. Many routes are designed to start and end in or near the town, exploring the surrounding Aire Valley. For a moderate loop with rewarding views, consider the Stanza Stone Dew – Doubler Stones loop from Airedale, which takes you up onto the moors and back.

For a gentle and relatively flat walk suitable for most family members, the towpath along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a great choice. It offers peaceful, green scenery without any significant climbs. The stretch from Silsden towards Kildwick is particularly pleasant and lock-free.

Many trails in the area are dog-friendly, especially the canal towpaths and public footpaths through fields. However, when walking on moorland like Ilkley Moor or near farmland, you will encounter livestock. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead in these areas, particularly during lambing season (usually spring).

Yes, you can find waterfalls in the area. The Brunthwaite Falls – Doubler Stones loop from Silsden incorporates a visit to the local falls as part of a longer, more challenging hike. For a more dedicated waterfall visit, Goit Stock Waterfall near Harden is a highly-regarded local spot, though it requires a short drive to reach the trailhead.

To experience the rugged, open moorlands, a hike towards Ilkley Moor is a classic choice. You can tackle routes that lead up to iconic gritstone features like the Cow and Calf Rocks. These trails offer a more challenging ascent but reward you with panoramic views across Airedale and Wharfedale.

Yes, there is a popular circular walk around Silsden Reservoir. The route is approximately 5.5 miles (8.8km) and takes you through farmland with lovely westerly views across the water. For a detailed route map, you can refer to the guide provided by the local council: Around Silsden Reservoir Walk.

Several walking routes near Silsden pass through villages or start and end in the town, providing opportunities to visit a pub. Many hikers plan their routes to finish in Silsden itself, where you can find a selection of traditional pubs for a post-hike refreshment. Some longer walks towards Addingham or Ilkley also offer pub options.

For hikes starting in the town itself, there is on-street parking available as well as a public car park in the town center. Please be mindful of parking restrictions. For routes starting further afield, such as on Ilkley Moor or near Sharp Haw, there are often small, dedicated lay-bys or car parks near the trailheads.

Yes, Silsden is accessible by public transport. The town has a train station (Steeton & Silsden) on the Airedale Line with regular services between Leeds, Bradford, and Skipton. This makes it a convenient starting point for hikes without a car. Local bus services also connect Silsden to nearby towns and villages.

The trails around Silsden are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the variety of the landscape, from the peaceful canal and river walks in the valley to the stunning, wide-open views from the surrounding moorlands. The well-preserved dry-stone walls and classic Yorkshire Dales scenery are frequently mentioned as highlights.

There are over 25 curated hiking routes to explore around Silsden on komoot. These range from easy strolls of just a few miles to more difficult all-day hikes, ensuring there is a trail for every fitness and experience level.