Top ten city walks

Stretch your legs with one of our top ten city canal walks. Explore a more tranquil world amidst the urban buzz of London, Birmingham, cities in Yorkshire, the North West and more.

Our 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers connects bustling city centres to beautiful countryside, but you don't have to leave town for a fascinating city canal walk.

We've compiled a list of our top ten city walks, following our historic canals on a journey which melds the past with the present.

City canal walks near me

Don't forget, we have dozens of walking routes to enjoy across England and Wales. Explore a walking route near you or find your local canal and follow your nose.

Here are some of our favourite city canal walks.

City canal walks in London

London canal walk from Limehouse Basin

Enjoy a one-mile walk along the Regent's Canal through the colourful urban landscape of London

View of Camden Locks on the Regent's Canal

Walk from Little Venice to Camden

The Regent’s Canal tiptoes through the capital. This is a city walk through the backdoor, catching London in private, with its slippers on

City canal walks in Yorkshire

Leeds canal walk

Enjoy this 4km wellbeing walk along the canal from Leeds Dock to Thwaite Watermill

Sheffield canal walk

Explore Sheffield's rich steel heritage and contemporary art trails on this 4.4km walk along the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal

City canal walks in Birmingham

People sit on benches beneath trees next to the canal in Birmingham city centre.

Walk from Livery Street to the Mailbox, Birmingham

This one-mile walk passes through Birmingham city centre, taking in Farmer's Bridge Locks, Old Turn Junction and Gas Street Basin

Iron bridge over the canal at a three-way junction, in front of high-rise buildings and Sea Life Centre.

Canal walk to Old Turn Junction

Explore Birmingham's hidden heritage along this 1.5-mile walk through our canal capital

Download your city guide

Find city canal walks, places to visit, waterside running routes and more with our downloadable guides to London, Birmingham (West Midlands), Yorkshire and the North West