Skipton Woods and Canal

The route

Starting near Skipton Castle, the route enters the castle woods - a strip of ancient woodland running north along the limestone escarpment above the town. The woods are managed and well-used, with clear paths on firm ground that stay runnable even in wet conditions.

The route follows the woodland edge north, passing Skipton Rock - the limestone crag that sits above the town - before swinging out through the northern fringe of the woods and connecting to the field paths above the Aire Valley. The return follows the Leeds–Liverpool Canal towpath south back into Skipton, passing the canal basin before a short run through town to the finish.

Total distance is 11.5km with 111m of ascent - the woodland section has some gentle climbing over the limestone, but the overall circuit is close to flat.

The woods

Skipton Castle Woods are one of the town's most accessible green spaces - centuries-old mixed woodland on a limestone ridge, with a network of paths that provide good running in all conditions. The limestone bedrock means drainage is excellent; these paths rarely become impassable. The castle itself (Norman motte and bailey, well-preserved and open to visitors) is worth a post-run look if you haven't been.

Skipton Rock is a small limestone outcrop above the town, providing the highest point on an otherwise low-key circuit. Views from the rock take in the Aire Valley south and the beginnings of the Dales to the north.

Canal return

The Leeds–Liverpool Canal towpath section through Skipton is well-maintained and popular with cyclists, families, and other towpath users. The canal basin in the town centre is one of the most active stretches of the canal in Yorkshire - narrowboats, the Springs Branch waterway, and the backdrop of the castle make for a distinctive finish.

On summer weekends, the canal basin fills quickly with visitors. The woods are quieter. Running early means having both sections largely to yourself.