These routes start near Hirst Lock / Hirst Wood and loop the river path, canal towpath, and the edge of Shipley Glen. You’ll find a firm fallback even after heavy rain, plus quieter tracks to avoid the busiest pinch points.
Three circular routes
| Name | Time | Surface | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hirst Lock Short | ≈ 30 mins | Mostly firm towpath | Start Hirst Lock → east along towpath → turn at the footbridge → return on same side or cross and loop via Roberts Park paths. |
| Wood & Water Loop | ≈ 45 mins | Mixed (firm towpath + woodland) | Towpath from Hirst Lock → drop to riverside path by Hirst Wood → rejoin canal near the swing bridge → back to start. |
| Shipley Glen Circuit | ≈ 70 mins | Mixed, some rocky/muddy | From Hirst Wood climb to the Glen (tracks near the tramway) → woodland edge paths → descend towards Baildon/Prod Lane and loop back via towpath. |
Tip: save “Hirst Lock” and “Shipley Glen Tramway” in your maps app. If the woods look muddy, stick to the towpath and park paths for a clean-paws loop.
Mud levels by season & fallback
Autumn–Winter
- Hirst Wood riverside can be claggy; expect puddles after prolonged rain.
- Fallback: towpath (grit/stone) + park hard paths. Avoid steep Glen descents in very wet spells.
- Wipe-down station: bring a small towel in a zip bag for paws/tummies post-walk.
Spring–Summer
- Woodland dries well after 24–48 h of fair weather; roots/rocks remain uneven.
- Busy times: sunny evenings + weekends on the towpath; take the Glen edge for space.
- Shade & water available along woodland and river; carry extra in heat.
Access & parking
| Spot | Postcode | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hirst Lock / Hirst Wood | BD18 4ND | Towpath access, woodland entrances; limited on-street parking—be considerate. |
| Shipley Glen (lower access) | BD17 5BN | Paths to the Glen; some roadside spaces; check signs. |
| Roberts Park (overflow option) | BD17 5RH | Hard-path network; nice add-on to shorten muddy sections. |
Public transport: trains to Saltaire station (then 10–15 mins walk to Hirst Lock) or buses up to Baildon/Prod Lane for Shipley Glen access.
Lead rules, hazards & etiquette
Lead & right-of-way
- Towpath is shared with cyclists—lead on when busy; keep right and cue sit-to-side for trains of bikes.
- Near livestock (occasional in Glen edges): keep dogs on lead and give wide berth.
- Recall practice? Use quiet woodland spurs; avoid blind bends and steep drops.
Seasonal notes
- High water after storms—stay off river margins that undercut; use towpath/park network.
- Nesting birds Spring: keep curious noses out of bramble edges.
- Evening midges near water—pack a quick wipe for face/ears if your dog is sensitive.
Cafés, water & bins
- Water taps at some moorings (seasonal); carry a collapsible bowl.
- Bins around Roberts Park and near Hirst Lock; pack out if none on the woodland side.
- Saltaire cafés (downstream) welcome dogs outdoors; weekends get busy—go early.
Need reliable help with dog walks?
I’m local to Saltaire/Hirst Wood—DBS checked, insured, and I send a short photo note after every walk. From quick canal loops to longer Glen circuits, we’ll match the route to your dog and the day’s conditions.
Related reads
Local, calm dog walks in Saltaire
Owner-led, insured and DBS checked. We keep routes sensible for the weather and your dog’s energy.