Riddlesden ramble
Explore the peaceful canal area opposite East Riddlesden Hall, taking in some fascinating history along the way. Please note that East Riddlesden Hall's house, gardens, shop, tea-room and toilets are closed for winter conservation work until 16 February.
Map
Start:
East Riddlesden Hall gate entrance, grid ref: SE079421
1
Start at East Riddlesden Hall gate entrance. Walk towards the main road on the left hand side path. Using the crossing, cross to the other side of the road. Turn left, keeping the road on your left.
2
After just over 400 yards (360 meters) you will come to Bar Lane on your right. Take this road until you reach the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.
Bar Lane
On the corner of Bar Lane once stood Bar House. This was where tolls were collected from travellers along Bradford Road when it was a turnpike.
3
Turn left at the canal and follow the towpath until you reach a swing bridge - Leachs Bridge (you will be returning here later).
4
Carry on along the canal. Ignore the track on your left. 400 yards (360 meters) past this track you will look down onto some farm buildings on the left. Behind these buildings you will see Elam Grange. The farm was built in the late 17th-century and belonged to James Murgatroyd, owner of East Riddlesden Hall.
5
Turn around and return to the swing bridge. As you return to the swing bridge just before you pass the track that joins the towpath from the right there is a building which is right up to the canal path. The right hand end of this building used to be the Woodpecker Inn, serving the Leeds and Liverpool canal. If you would appreciate a quiet rest at this point, walk a few yards down the track on your right. You will see a small building with an open door. Enter and you will find a few seats in this chapel of rest. Mr Hutchinson, owner of the nearby house, repaired this building and is happy for anyone to enjoy its peaceful setting. Return to canal path to continue with the walk.
6
Cross the swing bridge and carry on up the slope to the T junction keep on the right hand pavement and ignore the road off to the right before this.
7
Turn right at the T junction. There is now a meeting of roads. Cross the road onto Scott Lane. There is a bus stop at the beginning of Scott Lane.
West Riddlesden Hall
Look over the wall. You are now at the back of West Riddlesden Hall a private residence. The house was occupied originally by the Maud family before passing onto the Leach family. The date on the front is 1687 but parts of the building could be older.
8
Continue along Scott Lane until you reach Bar Lane on your right. Follow this over the canal bridge and turn left along the canal towpath.
9
Follow the canal until you reach the next canal bridge. What looks like an upturned cannon is actually part of a crane which stood in this locality.
10
When you reach the next canal bridge, turn right down the slope of Granby Lane and back to the main road.
Marquis of Granby
Marquis of Granby pub was probably built at the same time as the canal (pre-1770) and named after John Manners (Marquis of Granby) who set up public houses throughout the country for any men who had served in his regiment for seven years.
11
Cross the road by the crossing and re-enter East Riddlesden Hall grounds.
End:
East Riddlesden Hall gate entrance, grid ref: SE079421
