Leeds and Liverpool Canal Walk
A 126-mile long-distance walk following the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal along its entire length. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SE 296 331
Distance: 126 miles (203 km)
Time: 50–60 hours
Duration: 8–12 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL2 Yorkshire Dales – Southern and Western Area
OL21 South Pennines – Burnley, Hebden Bridge, Keighley and Todmorden
OL41 Forest of Bowland and Ribblesdale
266 Wirral and Chester
275 Liverpool, St Helens, Widnes and Runcorn
276 Bolton Central, Wigan and Warrington
285 Southport, Chorley, Wigan, Formby and Ormskirk
286 Blackpool and Preston
287 West Pennine Moors, Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington and Bolton North
288 Bradford, Huddersfield and East Calderdale
289 Leeds, Harrogate, Wetherby and Pontefract
297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley
Summary
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal Walk runs along the full length of the towpath of the most important canal in the north of England during the Industrial Revolution. What was once a busy highway of working vessels transporting coal, woolen and cotton products, and all manner of household wares is now a leisure highway for narrowboat enthusiasts, walkers, and cyclists alike. Due to the popularity of the walk, there are plenty of points of interest along the route, such as heritage museums, local parks, and festivals throughout the year, alongside a wide variety of choices for food, drink, and accommodation.