Walking for health

Walking is one of the most natural and effective forms of exercise. Take a look at the range of benefits you can enjoy from a simple stroll along your local canal.

Walking by the canal

"Walking will increase your muscle tone, boost metabolism, ease stress, raise energy levels and improve sleep, which combined can also help you lose weight.”

The NHS

Walking along our canals and rivers

Plenty of evidence suggests that simply being near to water makes people more content and relaxed, so what better place to exercise than your local canal? Our waterways offer traffic-free, level walking routes through some of our busiest towns and cities, perfect for walking for health.

Over half the UK population lives within five miles of a canal or river, so it couldn't be easier to take to the towpaths and enjoy the health benefits we've made freely available. Could you swap your daily commute for a weekly walk to work along the towpath? How about planning a lunchtime stroll to blow away the cobwebs before your afternoon of meetings?

Reduce stress and feel fitter

Not only is towpath walking a great way to de-stress. You'll also be burning off calories. Experts say just 30 minutes a day is enough to help you feel fitter.

The UK is in the midst of a growing national health crisis due to a lack of physical activity and rising mental health issues. This is placing extra strain on our NHS. Promoting and funding ‘Preventative Health’ measures are seen as instrumental in tackling this crisis, and our network of canals, rivers and towpaths have a vital role to play.

Plan your walk

Take a look at our waterways map to discover your nearest towpath

Canals and rivers contain not only water but also an abundance of trees and plants, which means their capacity to improve mental wellbeing is likely to be due to the multiple benefits associated with both green and blue spaces.

Professor Andrea Mechelli, Professor of Early Intervention in Mental Health at King’s College

Walking and nature

Walk for mental health

When you step off the pavement and onto the towpath, you step into a whole new world. It's the perfect place to take a deep breath, shrug off the stresses of the day and enjoy a rejuvenating walk.

Many of us appreciate the importance of the natural outdoor environment as a public health resource. Recent research highlights physical activity, social interaction, and environmental factors as potential pathways linking blue space and health. A research initiative, BlueHealth, found that access to urban blue spaces, such as canals and rivers, resulted in significant improvements in wellbeing and mood for individuals.

Feel happier and healthier with a walk by the canal.

Helen walking along the Hertford Union Canal

Find a local walk

Feel happier and healthier. Find a walk along our beautiful canals and rivers in your area

Accessible towpaths

We want as many people as possible to experience the benefits of spending time by the water, so we've been gathering information on our towpaths and their access points to make it that bit easier for everyone to discover their local waterway.

Explore our accessibility map.