When Lynn relocated to West Yorkshire to be closer to family, her local section of the National Cycle Network along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal helped her explore her new environment and connect with the community.
Lynn sat by Bingley Three Rise Locks. Credit: Paul Heyes
Lynn moved to Bingley in early 2026, having lived in Anglesey with her late husband George for over 40 years. After his death ten years ago, she began to think about where life might take her and about moving closer to family.
Lynn said: “I had lots of friends around me but knew that as I grew older, I’d likely need the support of my family and I wanted to make a decision on where to start this next phase of my life while I still could.”
After a flat became available near her daughter’s house in Bingley, Lynn made the decision to relocate. She adds: “I’d sold my house in Anglesey during Covid, so it was a relatively straightforward move. It’s been a big change but it’s lovely to be closer to my daughter and to be able to help look after my granddaughter.”
Lynn walking along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Credit: Paul Heyes
A new town and a new phase of life
Lynn quickly set about getting to know her local area and with her flat looking over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, she made good use of the walking routes along the towpath. The path, part of the National Cycle Network Route 66, has formed a key part of her walking routes, connecting her to local transport, social groups and nearby towns.
Lynn said: “Being able to connect with my local community and getting to know the town has been really important. I walk nearly every day, and it has been a great way to get to know Bingley.
“The towpath has also been a gateway to the wider area for me. Whether I’m using it to get to the train station, the bus, or walking down the canal to Crossflatts and my ‘Knit and Natter’ group, it’s helped me discover my new home and remain independent.”
Lynn taking a rest by the side of the canal. Credit Paul Heyes
Staying connected
The towpath sits along an historic part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, with the impressive Bingley Five Rise Locks and Bingley Three Rise Locks forming part of this iconic route, which also connects Bingley to Saltaire and the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lynn says: “I love watching the locks open, it’s amazing to see such a brilliant piece of engineering.”
Recently, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust have worked in partnership with Canal & River Trust and Bradford Council to make the route safer and more accessible. Lynn has had a bird’s eye view of the improvements that have been made to the route, known as the Aire Valley Towpath.
"I've been watching the most recent work from my flat, it’s good to see these paths being maintained and improved so they are accessible for everyone.
“I still drive too but knowing that there are plenty of walking routes on my doorstep is reassuring if a time comes that I can no longer drive.”
Lynn has also found that the towpath is a lovely way to connect with nature and wildlife, including the adjacent Bingley North Bog Nature Reserve. She’s been spending time spotting deer and heron, and blackberry picking with her granddaughter.
She concludes: “I might not have the sea on my doorstep anymore, but I do have the canal!”
