9k Run Shipley: Scenic Trail Around Shipley Glen

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.6km loop offers a fantastic blend of flat, fast canal towpaths and the gentle, rugged undulations of Shipley Glen. Starting and ending just south of Ferncliffe Road, runners will enjoy 5km of paved surfaces along the canal, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a steady tempo before tackling the more natural terrain near Hirst Lock. With a modest 89m ascent, the route provides enough elevation to keep things interesting—particularly as you loop through the Glen—without being overwhelming for those newer to trail running or hill work.

Shipley Glen is steeped in local Victorian history, once home to a popular Edwardian pleasure ground and the famous Shipley Glen Tramway, which is the oldest working cable tramway in Great Britain. As you transition from the tranquil Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the wooded beauty of the Glen, you’re following in the footsteps of generations of West Yorkshire recreators. The area is a local favorite for its "bracken and birch" landscape, providing a refreshing natural escape that feels miles away from the industrial heritage of nearby Bradford while still being perfectly accessible.