Travellers’ tales: Canal cruising by bike

By Cycling UK
Two people are riding along a paved towpath along the left-hand side of a canal. There are lots of trees and greenery lining the canal. There are three narrow boats in the distance
A multigenerational cycle ride along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath
On a multigenerational cycling tour with his father and his son, Cycling UK member Joel Stokoe followed the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath, experiencing everything from scrapyards and warehouses to wildlife and birdsong

The towpath was silent and the flat waters of the canal reflected the upcoming bridge perfectly. It was impossible not to smile.

While never far from civilisation, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal offers a serene, well-surfaced route through often breathtaking countryside. At just over 127 miles, it’s the single longest canal in Britain, an engineering miracle that crosses the Pennines and offers two centuries of history to explore.

Our three-day ride was a multi-generational one for myself, my dad and my son. It was a chance to spend some quality time together and make priceless, lifelong memories. The leisurely schedule left time for snacks, photographs and regular stops just to appreciate being in the moment.

Two people are standing either side of a Canal and River Trust sign that reads 'Leeds River Lock'. They are smiling and are both wearing cycling helmets and blue waterproof jackets
Joel and family celebrate reaching the end of the ride

It was obvious whenever we were within the boundaries of towns and cities, such as Liverpool, Wigan, Blackburn, Burnley, Skipton, Bingley and Leeds. Here, towpaths were lined with scrapyards, Victorian buildings, warehouses and homes. We shared the towpath with runners, dogs, walkers and families. There were no issues.

The canal links these urban centres via scenic stretches of countryside full of fields, hedges, trees, wildflowers and birdsong. Along the way we spotted signs of the past: concrete mileposts, sculptures, mill buildings, staircase locks and more.

There’s plenty to see on this accessible route. If you are looking for a gloriously simple off-road route, you really ought to give the Leeds and Liverpool Canal a go.

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