If you’ve only got time for one walk in Saltaire, make it Roberts Park. It’s flat, scenic and easy to customise—perfect for puppies, visiting family and senior dogs. Below are three simple circuits, places for coffee and loos, where to park, and the local dog rules.
20/35/50-minute loops
20-minute: Park classic
- Start at the bandstand.
- Walk the riverside promenade to the footbridge (toward the mill).
- Cross, then loop the central lawns and return via the playground edge.
Flat, paved; great for buggies and older dogs.
35-minute: Canal & park
- From the bandstand, cross the footbridge to Salts Mill.
- Turn left to the canal; walk 10–12 minutes toward Bingley.
- Cross back over the river at the next bridge; re-enter the park.
Mixed towpath + park; mostly firm even after rain.
50-minute: Glen taster
- Footbridge to the mill, left to canal then right up to Shipley Glen tramway.
- Climb the short slope to the Glen edge and loop the woodland paths.
- Return gently to the park via the promenade.
Some gradients & roots; avoid after heavy rain with wheels.
Cafés, toilets & water points
- Half Moon Café (in-park) – dog-friendly outside; simple hot drinks, cakes & snacks.
- Salts Mill – for indoor cafés, cross the footbridge; check individual dog policies.
- Toilets – park block near the Half Moon (usually open daytime); additional facilities at the mill.
- Water – bring a collapsible bowl; seasonal taps by the café, else ask staff.
Parking & easy starts
| Location | Postcode | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salts Mill visitor car park | BD17 7EF | Closest to the footbridge; busiest weekends/events. |
| Exhibition Road (pay & display) | BD18 3JN | Reliable fallback; 6–8 minutes to the park. |
| On-street bays around Victoria Road | — | Always check local signs; time limits may apply. |
Visiting at peak? Arrive before 10:30 or after 15:30 for the best chance at the mill car park.
Lead rules & busy times
- Lead in the park: keep dogs under close control; near play areas and events use a short lead.
- Towpath etiquette: keep right, short lead at blind bends; give way to cyclists & anglers.
- Busy: sunny Saturdays 11:00–15:00, school holidays, and event days (festivals, markets).
- Quieter: early mornings, weekday afternoons outside school pick-up, and cooler days.
Accessibility notes
The 20-minute loop is fully paved and step-free with gentle gradients. The canal has a compacted grit surface—fine for most pushchairs. The Glen paths include roots and short slopes; choose dry days or stick to the park if using wheels.
Need a hand with walks?
We’re local to Saltaire—DBS checked & insured. If you’re busy or visiting, we can do calm, on-lead walks around Roberts Park or the canal, with a short photo note after each visit.
Related reads
Calm, local dog care in Saltaire
Walks, drop-ins and feeding for dogs, cats and small pets—photo notes after every visit.