Leeds & Liverpool Canal Cycling Guide

The Leeds - Liverpool Canal is popular with cyclists and work is being done to make it even more accessible to cyclists.  Some of the towpath is part of the National Cycle Network.

Cycle Permits and Towpath Rules

To cycle on the towpath you will need to download and print a cycle permit, this must be taken with you and displayed. I have one but don't think I have ever seen anyone else with one and have never seen anyone checking for them. The towpath is not a public right of way, and technically you can be banned from it.

Not all of the towpath is 'open' to cyclists. The sections that are open are listed on the BWB website but in practice it can be confusing with cycle lanes marked out in sections closed to cyclists. The open sections are marked in green on the guide below. None of the Rufford branch is open to cyclists. There is nothing physically stopping cyclists from using the closed sections. Some areas are contradictory, though, you will see a sign saying the cycle path ends and then another clearly showing cycles are permitted. Both in an area that is closed to cyclists according to BW.

Read the British Waterways guidelines. Slow down or dismount at bridges. When approaching a bridge you cannot always see if anyone is coming the other way and the towpath is not wide enough to allow people and bikes to pass.  Remember pedestrians have right of way. In some sections the towpath is narrow so you will have to stop when passing people. Don't expect people to get out of your way, they might not throw themselves in the canal or a hedge to let you pass. Cyclists along with walkers, dog owners, young people and fishermen are unpopular with boaters so try to ensure you act responsibly and dont give them anything else to moan about.

Towpath Conditions

The quality of the towpath varies from tarmac cycle paths to thick muddy puddles.  There are only a few short sections which could be a problem for cyclists but you can always walk your bike past these. The weather can change the towpath, I would avoid cycling after heavy rain. 

I have cycled half way along the Rufford branch from the Junction. The towpath is not suitable for cycling. the towpath is muddy and narrow in places.

Around Blackburn and Burnley the towpath has been improved. The new signs around Blackburn suggest the council is encouraging people to use the towpath.

During the winter months some sections of towpath may be closed off while work is carried out. A list of stoppages can be found online and its worth checking before you set out.

Towpath Gates

Some sections have gates and barriers to stop motorbikes getting on the towpath. These are a pain for cyclists but can be overcome. There is a gap for bikes but this may be difficult for bikes with wide handlebars or bar-ends. Some people pass the bike around the edge of the gate over the canal. Make sure you don't have anything that will fall in if you are doing this.

Cycle Equipment

I would recommend mountain bikes for the towpath and a mudguard. Cyclists should GET A BELL or be prepared to shout a warning to walkers who often wont hear you approach from behind until you are right on top of them.  A spare inner tube and pump are handy too, its a long walk back with a flat tire as I know from experience. Take plenty of water with you, you might find it hard to refill on route.

Take Advice!

Please take the time to read this blog, its full of advice and worth reading even if you never plan to ride a bike!  teamaldi.blogspot.com

Help!

Help me help other cyclists. Lots of people email me with questions about cycling along the canal. If you have any advice for cyclists send me an email and I will add it to this page.

towpathtreks@hotmail.co.uk