Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Sunday 6th July 2008

Cycling along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

All cyclists using the canal must display a cycling permit. You can download one free of charge. Please cycle with care and courtesy to others, observing the Waterways Code for Cyclists.

The following sections are open to cyclists:

  • Eldonian Village, Liverpool, to Stanley Road (Bridge 2A) (4.4 km): From the Eldonian Village the path runs around the lock flight (take extra care here). At Stanley Road, stop and dismount as the towpath crosses over canal.
  • Stanley Road (Bridge 2A) to Litherland Road (Bridge 2J) (2.4 km): The path runs up to Litherland. Dismount and leave towpath left of road over bridge coming from [Liverpool. Take care when leaving towpath.
  • Maghull Hall Lane (Bridge 12) to Methodist Swing (Bridge 15) (1.7 km): A largely residential area, popular with locals - do not speed, and dismount at all bridges.
  • Burscough (Bridge 32A) to Springs (Bridge 59A) (21.8 km): From Springs Bridge (B5238) the path goes down the Wigan flight, through the Douglas valley, exiting at Burscough.
  • Springs (Bridge 59a) to Red Rock (Bridge 63) (3.5 km): Rural area passing through Haigh Country park and a towpath side mooring at Red Rock. Dismount when approaching stone arch bridges.
  • Barracks (Bridge 75) to Botany (Bridge 78A) (2.8 km): This length skirts around the edge of Chorley. Dismount when approaching stone arched bridges.
  • Hollin Bank (Bridge 98) to Whitebirk Bridge (Bridge 104B) (4.7 km): Well-used towpath through Blackburn. Be aware of other users. Dismount at bridges and through Blackburn locks.
  • Side Beet (Bridge 106) to New Barn (Bridge 109) (3 km): Semi-rural length passing through Rishton. Dismount at bridges and be aware of other users.
  • Clough Bank (Bridge 117) to Altham (Bridge 118) (0.75 km): Rural stretch with wide bank. Dismount at bridges.
  • Gannow Tunnel, East Portal, to Godley (Bridge 130h) (4.5 km): Passes through Burnley town centre, which is a busy stretch of towpath. Dismount at bridges and be aware of other users.
  • Lodge (Bridge 134) to Hawks House (Bridge 136) (1 km): Semi-rural area, on outskirts of Burnley. Wide bank.
  • Swinden Changeline (Bridge 142) to Blakey (Bridge 144) (1.2 km): Starts and finishes either side of Barrowford locks - a popular stretch of canal. Some of this length is used by vehicles and extra care should be taken. Be aware of other users and dismount at bridges.
  • Greenberfield Changeline (Bridge 158) to Office Lock, Leeds (70.4km): The Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Yorkshire is open to cyclists, but please be aware that some areas are more suitable than others. In rural locations, the towpath may be grassy and possibly muddy in winter, so extra care needs to be taken.
  • The Aire Valley Towpath Route on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal: The towpath between Bingley and Leeds has recently been upgraded and is suitable for all towpath users, including cyclists. It links in with the National Cycle Network. Further information on the Aire Valley Towpath Route is available here.

Please be aware of other users and do not speed, take care at all road crossing points and dismount at stone arched bridges.

Barriers exist across the towpath at various locations to prevent use by motorcycles and cars. Cyclists will sometimes have to lift their cycles over these barriers.