Aire and Calder Canal
Distance (around) - About 1 mile
Terrain - Smooth, flat, tarmac.
Accessibility at a glance:
Access:
Dog friendliness:
Facilities:
Enjoyment:
More in depth:
Parking and entrance:
Limited at the start of the canal path
The pub offers an alternative parking option with more space.
Paths and distance:
Smooth tarmac along the main canal path; generally even with minimal bumps.
Mostly flat; a gentle incline on both sides of one bridge, manageable for mobility scooters and power chairs.
Straight path with long sight lines, ideal for guide dogs, assistance dogs, and anyone who benefits from predictable terrain.
Good winter option as the tarmac reduces mud and sludge.
Facilities
Popular dog-walking area; surface can be hard under paw for sensitive dogs, but visibility makes it easy to manage lead length.
Several benches along the route.
The Stanley Ferry pub (Hungry Horse chain) is reachable via the route. Dogs not allowed indoors but outdoor seating available.
This particular walk is one of the simpler, less-developed routes we visit, set along what used to be an old canal road. Despite its rustic setting, the path itself is impressively accessible: smooth tarmac with hardly any lumps or bumps, making it a very comfortable roll for mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
One of the big perks of this route is how straight it is. You can see far ahead, which is especially helpful for planning your pace or managing dogs. We often choose this walk in winter because the tarmac keeps things clean and avoids the usual seasonal sludge. It’s a popular stretch for local dog walkers too, so friendly greetings are almost guaranteed. Betty enjoys having the full length of her lead here since we can easily spot who’s coming in advance—though the hard surface isn’t always her favourite underfoot.
As you make your way along the water, you’ll pass moored boats and barges. We love imagining what life would be like aboard one—cosy, slow, and wonderfully free. Swans often drift by with their usual elegance, and we’ve even spotted the occasional paddleboarder enjoying the calm water. One barge has converted into a tiny coffee-and-cake stop, though we only realised this after we’d already passed it. Next time!
About two-thirds of the way along, you’ll reach a small bridge. It has a slight incline on both sides, but the scooter handled it with no trouble. Betty, on the other hand, wasn’t impressed by the slight wobble—but she braved it and trotted across once she realised it was safe.
Beyond the bridge, you can continue straight on to reach the Stanley Ferry pub, part of the Hungry Horse chain. It’s a reasonable food stop, with plenty of outdoor seating for dog owners. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but the exterior seating area is usually adequate. If you prefer, the pub can also serve as an alternative starting point, thanks to its more generous parking.
This isn’t a circular walk, so once you reach the pub your best bet is to retrace your steps along the canal. You can exit through the pub car park, but this takes you onto the main road—something we prefer to avoid. The canal path itself offers a much calmer experience, with a few benches scattered along the way for rest, reflection, or simply watching life drift by on the water.
As with most canal routes, this path connects to a wider network—over 30 miles of it, in fact. We’ve only scratched the surface so far. If you’re curious about branching paths or broader accessibility information, the Canal & River Trust has plenty of details to help you plan your next adventure.
Tip - pay attention for cyclists.
