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Hirst Wood

Where is it?

Hirst Wood has many points of access. One popular entrance, with car park, is next to the swing bridge at Hirst Lock on the Leeds-Liverpool canal in Saltaire.

What is there?

Hirst Wood is an ancient deciduous woodland, predominantly of beech and oak.

The wood grew up on a bank formed by moraine left as glaciers retreated.

It is bordered by the River Aire, and the Leeds Liverpool canal, and stretches from Hirst Lock to Dowley Gap Lock.

It is home to a rich variety of wildlife.

Kingfisher - near Dowley Gap lock

Grey Heron - River Aire, Hirst Wood

What else is there?

  •  remains of a Fulling mill
  •  remains of ancient roundhouse and walls
  •  Dowley Gap Aquaduct carrying the canal across the River Aire
  •  rowing club boathouse
  •  wier

I would go again to see…..

A traditional display of bluebells.

Getting there.

By bus 

The 662 is a very frequent service between Bradford & Keighley bus stations. It stops on Saltaire High Street, a 10 minute walk (900m.) from the woods.

By train

The wood is 800m from Saltaire station, walking along the canal towpath.

By car

A650 in Saltaire, turn off down Hirst Lane, which runs to the swing-bridge

at Hirst Lock

Post-code: BD18 4NQ

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