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Leeds and Liverpool Canal

126.1 miles (203 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Enjoy waterside cycling and walking along Britain's longest single canal. It runs for 126 miles across the Pennines, passing many villages, towns and cities with a fascinating heritage and industrial history. There are also umpteen pretty locks, viaducts and some wonderful countryside to enjoy.
Walkers can enjoy the whole route from Leeds to Liverpool, while there are several sections for cyclists too. If you are on a bike then you can follow Sustrans National Cycle Route 66 from the start at Leeds to just outside Silsden. There's another Sustrans section around Barnoldswick and from Nelson to Burnley in Lancashire. The section from Chorley to Adlington is also open to cyclists.
Highlights on the route include the impressive 5 rise locks at Bingley, Wigan Pier and the lovely Foulridge Reservoir in Colne. Near Burscough you'll pass the wonderful Martin Mere Nature Reserve where you can look out for otters, flamingos, beavers and thousands of water loving birds.
You can also link up with the Rufford Branch of the canal and head to the historic Rufford Old Hall near Croston in Lancashire.

Leeds and Liverpool Canal Ordnance Survey Map Ordnance survey map - view and print off detailed OS map

Leeds and Liverpool Canal Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Leeds and Liverpool Canal OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Leeds and Liverpool Canal Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In Merseyside's Maghull there's The Running Horses. The friendly pub is located in a fine spot next to the canal just north of the town centre in Lydiate. They serve good food and have a nice garden area next to the canal. You can find them at 25 Bell Lane, L31 4EN. They are dog friendly if you have your canine friend with you.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Martin Mere, Appley Bridge Canal Walk, Parbold Fairy Glen, Parbold Hill, Barnoldswick Canal Walk, East Marton, Shipley, Maghull

Photos

Flickr - ronsaunders47 - BLOSSOM ON THE CANAL SIDE. 2.

Blossom next to the canal.

Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Skipton (15589898559)

Skipton

Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Shipley (14130144802)

Shipley

Canalside Moorings and Pub - geograph.org.uk - 36868

Canalside Moorings and Pub at Riley Green.

Moorings, Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Appley Bridge (geograph 4531278)

Moorings, Appley Bridge

Coates Wharf, Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Barnoldswick - geograph.org.uk - 867936

Coates Wharf. Barnoldswick The derelict Coates Wharf as seen from the top of Bridge 154A.

Old Hall Bridge 160, Leeds and Liverpool Canal - geograph.org.uk - 791829

Old Hall Bridge at East Marton

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Parbold - geograph.org.uk - 557556

Parbold. Parbold Parish Church, Parbold Fairy Glen, and Parbold Hill and lie in the distance.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Leeds and Liverpool Canal.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Leeds and Liverpool Canal.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)