Frequently asked questions

We are proposing to improve the towpath surface to make it easier for walking, wheeling, cycling and make it more accessible for people with mobility difficulties or people who use mobility aids to access the route. This will involve the provision of a new surface, including:

• Changing the angle of the slopes alongside some of the locks to make them less steep.
• Lifting and re-laying cobbled areas to make the surface smoother, whilst maintaining the heritage of the corridor.
• Maximising available towpath width where possible, whilst maintaining grass verges and native plants and trees to support wildlife along the canal corridor.
• Installing new signage and improving access points, removing any unnecessary access barriers.

Tar, spray and chip surfacing has been used successfully on a number of recent towpath upgrade projects, as it:

• Provides a durable surface.
• Is visually complementary to the canal heritage.
• Provides grip in icy conditions.
• Provides audible warning of approaching cycles.

We believe it creates a balance between the need for a surface that is usable in all weather, is long lasting but is also in keeping with the heritage of the area.

Current available funding will only be enough to provide a towpath upgrade as far as Birks Lane, though if construction costs come in lower than currently forecast from available funds, we will extend works.

Funding for the section between Birks Lane and the Calderdale border is actively being sought.

A walkway will be added to Alma Waste Weir, near Alma Road, in line with the ones being delivered between Luddendenfoot and Todmorden. This will be between 1.2 and 1.5m wide and replace the narrow planks that currently need to be used to cross the weir.

The scheme is being delivered by waterways charity Canal & River Trust, in partnership with Calderdale Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The Combined Authority brings together the Mayor of West Yorkshire and the region’s five local councils. It leads efforts to drive positive change—investing in initiatives that create opportunities, support strong communities, and improve connections across towns and cities while promoting sustainability. Working in partnership, it is committed to building a fairer future for everyone who lives and works in the region.

The overall budget for the package of proposed schemes is £1.35 million, with £790,000 available for Phase 1 between Rochdale Road in Todmorden and Hollins Lane, and £604,000 available for Phase 2 between Hollins Lane and Birks Lane, Walsden.

Funding for Phase 1 is from the Todmorden Town Deal. The Town Deal is a £17.5 million investment awarded to Todmorden from the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund.

Funding for Phase 2 is provided by the Department for Transport through Active Travel England’s Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF), via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to support local transport authorities in delivering walking and cycling infrastructure.

The aims of the scheme are to:

• Offer residents the choice of making more journeys by bike or on foot, by providing quality and safe pedestrian and cycling routes linking local communities and facilities.
• Contribute to an overall improvement in air quality and environmental impacts in the district by enabling more people to use sustainable and active modes of travel such as walking, wheeling and cycling.
• Improve accessibility so that more people can enjoy the mental health and wellbeing benefits of spending time beside the canal.

Yes. Canal & River Trust towpaths are shared spaces with a pedestrian priority, so they are great places for a leisurely bike ride. We ask that everyone using towpaths follows the Towpath Code. You can read more about this and our Share the Space, Drop the Pace campaign on our website.

Unfortunately, the narrow spaces and low bridges mean that horse riding is not appropriate.

Phase 1 between Rochdale Road in Todmorden and Hollins Lane will commence in the coming months, but there is still time to make amendments and to take account of any issues raised as part of this consultation. This phase is programmed to be completed by summer 2026.

Phase 2 is programmed to commence at the beginning of 2027, with completion the following in spring 2027.

Our contractors work hard to ensure the towpaths where works are underway remain open as much as possible. They often use systems of working that allow work to pause while towpath users are escorted past sections under construction. However, as the towpath sits within a narrow corridor, it is likely that the towpath will still need to be closed at certain times. We will work with contractors to make sure advance notice of closures is given and that they are well advertised.

Finalising the detailed design will commence following this period of public engagement and will be uploaded to this webpage, along with a description of what has changed as a result of comments.

This funding has been allocated specifically for this project; therefore, the funding cannot be spent on any other proposals or schemes.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority was formed in April 2014 to be the driving force for economic growth across the Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield districts. The Combined Authority brings together the five local authorities and the Mayor to make decisions on behalf of the whole region. To find out more visit: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk.

Canal & River Trust is the UK’s largest waterways charity which maintains and cares for 2,000 miles of canals and river navigations across England and Wales.

We welcome everyone’s opinions and feedback. Whether you live or work in the area or just travel through, your views, opinions and insight is valuable to help us shape our project.

Please share the link to this page with anyone you think would be interested in taking part. If you intend to submit a joint response on behalf of a group/organisation, please share the link with your colleagues/members so they can provide an individual response, should they wish to do so.

The period of public engagement is open from 18 May to 23 June 2026.

You can:

• Complete our survey.
• Attend the drop-in session at Todmorden Library on 3rd June 2026 between 2pm and 6pm

Your comments will help inform the development of our plans and provide an opportunity to identify any issues of which we are not aware.