download a british waterways cycling permit

Before cycling on some towpaths owned by British Waterways, you will usually need to obtain a free cycle permit. This includes most canals: for detailed local information, use our search box to look for (say) "Shropshire Union cycling".

You are not required to have a Cycle Permit in London.

Cyclists must follow the new London's new Towpath Code of Conduct at all times.

You can download a British Waterways permit as a PDF file. By accepting this cycle permit, you are agreeing to follow the Waterways Code, and to cycle only on those stretches of towpath classified as open to cyclists.

The Waterways Code aims to protect your own and other people's safety, to safeguard the environment, and to avoid disturbing the enjoyment of other users of the waterway and towpath. There is no public right of way for cyclists on canal towpaths, and British Waterways reserves the right to withdraw permission from users who disregard the rules.