Local MP Robbie Moore is urging residents to have their say on new proposals to upgrade the ‘missing link’ section of towpath between Silden and Kildwick along the Leeds to Liverpool canal.
The 3km section of historic towpath between Kildwick and Silsden is located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and offers some of the most uplifting open countryside anywhere on England’s canal networks and is the final ‘missing link’ section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath to be re-surfaced.
The project was confirmed by the previous Conservative government in March this year, and the £1.8 million proposals include improving the towpath surface to make it easier for people to walk and cycle, making the route more accessible for people with mobility difficulties or people who use mobility aids to access for the route, widening the towpath while also keeping grass verges and native plants and trees to support wildlife and putting up new signs and removing any unnecessary access barriers.
In North Yorkshire £900k has been approved from the Net Zero Fund which has been secured from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to provide projects that can deliver significant carbon reductions and contribute to the region’s ambition to be net zero by 2034.
In West Yorkshire £900k is coming from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund Tranche 4 (ATF4). The Active Travel Fund is grant funding provided by the Department of Transport to support local transport authorities with producing cycling and walking facilities.
Residents can find out more about the project and have their say on the proposals here: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/kildwick-silsden, the consultation is open from 24 July to 21 August 2024.
Robbie Moore MP:
“After much lobbying and many meetings with the Department for Transport, the funding announcement in March for our Silsden-Kildwick towpath was fantastic news for all who like to get out and about and enjoy our fantastic Yorkshire countryside. Living in Silsden, I know just how important the upgrades to the Silsden-Kildwick towpath are, encouraging more cycling and walking along our part of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal Towpath and making the towpath more accessible to all.
I urge everyone to have their say on these proposals by visiting www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/kildwick-silsden so we can see the timely completion of this project."

Accessibility boost as new changing places toilet opens in Malham
Tourist tax would be 'total game changer', says Mayor
Skipton Charity golf day to be held for 2025 Pride of Britain winner
North Yorkshire taxi drivers call for fare increase to offset Iran War fuel increases
Devolution will fail if decisions are York-centric, say angry North Yorkshire councillors
Craven Lawn Tennis Club to open grounds for fundraising weekend
Tory councillor used photo of tragedy which claimed the lives of 116 children to make point on social media
Airedale Hospital's cancer team launch radiotherapy website
Skipton MP raises concerns over changes to 580 bus service
Lothersdale and Glusburn students to climb Yorkshire Three Peaks for Airedale Hospital
Police investigate assault in Skipton
Glusburn Community & Arts Centre calls for funds to keep the lights on
Northern passengers reminded some train times will change from Sunday
Jumble sale to be held in aid of woman's cancer journey
Thornton Hall Country Park Continues to Grow with New Team Members
Skipton Boxing Club nominated for 'Local Hero' award
Skipton Beer Festival shares 2026 lineup
Clubberthon raises over £7,000 for hospice charity
Your Skipton collaborates with Skipton BID for first visual podcast
Skipton BID to host first ever launch event for Skipton Business Awards 2026


