The C2C Route

This is the thirteenth in a series of eighteen individual trails, which combine to create a coast to coast route for paddlers. Paddle along a wide valley, looking across open farmland and small villages.

The coast to coast route is made up of a series of eighteen trails. It’s designed to be travelled west to east, across the country; the recommended direction of travel considering prevailing wind direction and river flows.

The trails combine the Leeds Liverpool Canal and Aire and Calder Navigations to create a route stretching 162 miles across the north of England. Passing through villages, towns and cities that played a major part in the industrial revolution and textile industries, as well as enjoying the stunning scenery as you travel over the Pennines in Lancashire and Yorkshire.

The Leeds Liverpool Canal and Aire and Calder Navigation offer different paddling experiences. The Leeds Liverpool wanders gently, connecting its two two major namesake cities. It recently celebrated its bicentenary and is enjoyed by boaters and paddlers alike. The Aire and Calder is a commercial waterway, transporting goods and materials between the town of Goole and the city of Leeds.

The navigation brings its own challenges, combining canalised navigation and river sections with large locks and high walls. PLEASE NOTE: It’s recommended that only more experienced paddlers or groups of paddlers with experienced coaches or leaders paddle on the river sections of the Aire and Calder Navigation.

When you finish your paddle it’s well worth making a visit to East Riddlesden Hall. This National Trust owned property is situated just down the road from your end point. The house and its intimate gardens are a hidden oasis on the edge of town. Hundreds of years ago the hall was a thriving farming estate. The gardens can be enjoyed at any time of the year and there is a play area, mud pie kitchen and den building corner; giving the whole family a great day out.