Ilkley Riverside, the Three Bridges

Directions around the Ilkley Riverside

1. The start point for this walk is from New Brook Street Bridge. You need to head to the side of the bridge furthest from Ilkley Town Centre. From here, you can see a stepped footpath leading down to the side of the river. Ignore this, and walk a little further along, you will soon see the ramped path from the road which leads you to the side of the river. Keeping the river to your left, and bridge behind you, follow the main path along the edge of the river, until you reach a gate. Directly ahead and to the left, you will see the stone footbridge over the river. This is the way you need to head. There is often a Dales Ice Cream van stationed here!

2. Cross the stone humped bridge over the river. (There are a couple of barriers here, which might make it trickier for a wide pushchair.) At the far side you will see a path immediately to your left with steps. Ignore this, and go a little further, where you will see the path on you left with pushchair access leading back to the riverbank. Take this one and head back along the other side of the river. You will pass the toilets on the right and then The Riverside Pub, where you can get fish and chips and ice cream. Or even a pint if you fancy it!

3. There are some steps to your left opposite the pub, in drier times, you can get down to a little platform here where there are often ducks to feed, so keep your eyes peeled!

4. Directly ahead in the distance, you will see Ilkley play park. The path leads to the left of this, and right past it. The perfect stop for a little play!

5. Once you have had your fill of slides and swings, head back to the path along the side of the river. It will lead you to a tunnel under the bridge. which you need to go through. You will end up on the other side of New Brook street (where the walk started). Keep heading along the path nearest to the river, until you see the suspension bridge. Just before this point, you can get down to the beach at the side of the river, which is a great spot for some stone throwing!

6. Head across the suspension bridge and turn left at the end. You will walk along the pavement for a short distance, but soon you will see a clearly signposted public footpath on your left. Ignore the first, and head to the pushchair friendly one, which comes next.

7. Here is another spot to get down to the side of the river and have a little play, or a picnic! All you need to do now, is keep on the path that follows the edge of the river until you reach the skate park and then the path which heads back up to your start point!

Last walked January 2023