Countryside Route: Great Northern Railway Trail

Bradford is surrounded by stunning countryside both within and without the district.  It’s no accident that people travel from all over the world to walk and cycle here.  This featured route takes in some of this wonderful scenery.

About The TrailThornton Viaduct Bradford

From – to: Circuit starting from Cullingworth, near Bradford
Distance: 3 mile round trip with ample opportunities to extend the ride
Type: Railway path and minor roads; gradients fairly reasonable with one steep climb to the Goit Stock waterfalls
Access: Railway stations at Keighley, Crossflatts and Bingley
Surface: Tarmac
National Cycle Network: Route 69

The Great Northern Railway Trail is a work in progress, but the completion of the first section over two spectacular viaducts opens up the potential for day rides in this beautiful corner of Bronte country.

Cullingworth can be reached from Keighley railway station with a four-mile ride on minor but hilly roads. At Cullingworth you pick up National Route 69 for a short but glorious stretch of railway path, crossing first Cullingworth and then Hewenden (Grade II listed) viaduct, with spectacular views across this wooded valley.

Image of Great Northern Trail Sign

[Image from haworth-village.org.uk]

Although there are plans to extend the railway path via Denholme and Thornton to Queensbury, it currently ends just south of Hewenden viaduct. At the end of the railway path, you can turn left on the minor road to Harecroft (and its pub), then left on the B6144 (please take care) before turning right onto a minor road towards the waterfalls at Goit Stock wood. About halfway up this lane you turn left onto the Pennine Bridleway Spur, which then takes you past the waterfalls. It’s a bit of a climb to get to them, giving you the perfect excuse to stop and watch the water thundering down for a while.

This route intersects with National Route 69 halfway between the two viaducts, giving you the opportunity to have a good look at both, and to cross Cullingworth viaduct for a second time.

View the route and Map on the Sustrans website:

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/great-northern-railway-trail