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Making life better by water

Top ten rural canal walks

Our towpaths lead you to a tranquil world of birdsong and rippling reflections, where you can relax, recharge and feel better by water.

A hedgerow on the Montgomery Canal

Montgomery Canal

Our 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers connects bustling city centres to peaceful countryside. In the year our charity celebrates its tenth anniversary, we've compiled a list of our top ten rural walks.

Rural 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 rural walks.

Yorkshire canal walks

Grassy towpath next to an empty field and canal with blue skies

Walk from Gargrave to Skipton

Enjoy some of the best open countryside anywhere on England’s canal network. This five-mile walk follows the lock-free summit of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Looking up at the Bingley Five Rise Locks

Walk from Bingley to Saltaire

A three-mile canal walk from Bingley Five Rise Locks to the remarkable Victorian village of Saltaire

Canal walks in the Midlands

Tardebigge bottom lock

Walk from Tardebigge to Stoke Prior

The mighty Tardebigge is the longest lock flight in Britain – 30 locks and a walker’s rural delight set in an uplifting panorama of open countryside

Narrowboat moored on the towpath at a junction in front of a tunnel and bridge under a blue sky

Walk to Bugsworth Basin

A short wellbeing walk along the scenic Peak Forest Canal

Canal walks in Wales

Boats moored along grassy towpath of canal

Wildlife walk on the Montgomery Canal

The Montgomery Canal brings wildlife right into the centre of Welshpool. Follow our fun family trail and see what you can spot

Boats at Brecon Basin

Walk from Brecon Basin

Starting at Brecon Basin, this linear walk to Brynich Aqueduct is 3.5km long

Buckinghamshire canal walk

Walk around Soulbury Locks

Become a nature detective and step back in time with our fun activity trail at Soulbury

Oxfordshire canal walk

Two camping chair and a dog sit next to boats mooring nose to nose on a sunny stretch of the canal

Short walk from Thrupp to Shipton Weir Lock

The canal village of Thrupp attracts boaters and walkers, drawn to its unspoilt waterways landscape in a countryside setting.

Canal walks in Cheshire

Child skips along the towpath while an adult reads a sign on the Macclesfield Canal at Bollington

A canal walk in Bollington

Enjoy this short walk along the Macclesfield Canal in Bollington

Bosley Locks

Walk around Bosley Locks

A scenic stroll around Bosley Locks on the Macclesfield Canal

Two women eat lunch next to the canal

Wellbeing on your doorstep

Find somewhere beautiful to rest, relax and recharge. Discover what's local to you

Last Edited: 26 June 2025

photo of a location on the canals

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