Hirst Wood – Baildon–Eldwick- Bingley – Harden Moor – Cottingley.

A £1.00 attendance fee is payable at the start .This goes towards the group meetup fees. Please come prepared thanks.

Hirst Wood – Baildon– Bingley – Harden Moor – Cottingley

Date: Saturday 24th January 2026

Meet up time: 09-45 am for a 10-00 am start

Place: Car Park at Hirst Lock, Hirst Lane, Saltaire, Bradford, BD18 4DA.

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Ride Grading: Red

Ride Leader : David Pearson

Ride Description

From the car park we travel down the canal and we pick up a riverside path which takes us on the outskirts of Baildon. Then up through the valley to Baildon Moor. We traverse round the moor before taking a track which leads us to Eldwick. Then round the Prince of Wales park, before descending to the top of the famous Bingley Five Rise Locks and a much deserved refreshment stop at the Cafe.

After the break we have a nice steady climb up Alter Lane on to Harden Moor, and then travel round the moor before we drop down through st Ives to Harden . Just passed to malt (pub). We take track into black hills past on old Victorian folly, to cottingley before dropping back to the Leeds Liverpool canal back to the car park at Hirst Wood. So, a very varied and interesting route.

Distance: 24 Miles

ESTIMATED RIDE DURATION: 4 Hours

Nearest Railway Station: Saltaire (0.75 mile).

TECHNICAL / PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Some rocky sections through the woods and Harden Moor otherwise good bridleway tracks and paths a couple of steep climbs make this a moderate to hard rated ride with a total ascent of approx 2,500 ft.

SUITABLE FOR: Mountain bikes only.

RECOMMENDSATIONS: Spare tubes, tools, food, water.

SAFETY: No Helmet = No Ride!

please note. the car park is the Bradford ULEZ zone so van drivers be aware. thank you.
the route is modified from last year .