Liverpool to Goole coast to coast canoe trail

From Goole to Liverpool, the relays were completed over eight days. Now, you too can have a go at some or all of the trail.

Take to the trail

This five-year youth project to create a coast to coast canoe trail was launched with a set of eight day long relays in August 2019. The 162 mile route from Liverpool in the West to Goole on the Humber estuary, crosses the country encouraging all paddlers to do as little or go as far as they want.

This new grand waterway adventure is not for the faint-hearted. It involves carrying canoes around 91 locks, including the 21 lock Wigan flight and Bingley's famous Five Rise staircase, and paddling under the summit of the Pennine hills through a mile long canal tunnel at Foulridge.

To help paddlers, new signage is in place to help you find your way.

Keeping safe on our canals and rivers

Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding can be fun, however, any activity on water brings its own hazards and dangers, please make sure you've the correct equipment and level of experience for your planned trail.

What equipment do you need?

Always wear a buoyancy aid making sure everyone in the group has the correct fit and carry a mobile phone in a waterproof case as well as a whistle.

What should you wear when paddling on the canal?

Wear footwear you don't mind getting wet, and clothing suitable for the weather conditions, carry suitable spare clothing in a waterproof dry bag, especially in colder weather conditions.

What rules do you need to consider paddling on the canal?

Stay to the right where possible, take care around bridges and other structures with reduced visibility. Powered boats have right of way over canoes, kayaks and paddle boards so leave as much space as possible.

What should you do when you reach a tunnel?

There are two tunnels along the trail, Gannow at 511m and Foulridge at 1 mile in length. All paddlers must wear a buoyancy aid, use a bright white forward facing light and carry an alternative means of attracting attention with an airhorn recommended. When at any tunnel entrance, please follow any powered boats at an appropriate distance.

Foulridge Tunnel has a one-way traffic light system, please follow all instructions at the entrances to the tunnel and don't enter when lights are red.

What should you do when you reach locks and swing bridges

Get out and carry your canoe, kayak or paddleboard past all locks and swing bridges. Most swing bridges need to be unlocked and either manually or electronically operated, so portaging (as it's known) saves you time and saves water in the canal.

What licence do you need to paddle on the canal?

It's not just narrowboats and barges that need a licence on our canals and rivers. All canoes, kayaks, dinghies, rowing boats, paddleboards and even light inflatable craft do too. The only exception is for current members of British Canoeing and Canoe Wales who get to use our waterways for free as part of their membership.

Our 2,000 miles of canals and rivers need a lot of TLC to keep them in great shape for everyone to use and enjoy – no matter the size of craft. As well as maintaining things like canal walls or water flow, your licence fee goes towards making sure there are enough easy access points, ramps and slipways for example.

Trails to download

In partnership with British Canoeing, below are the new trails you can download.

• West: For an A2 folded to A5 version you can download here
• East: For an A2 folded to A5 version you can download here

The whole 162 mile trail combines the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and Aire & Calder Navigation, connecting Liverpool and Goole. Passing through villages and towns that played a major role in the industrial revolution and textile industries as well as enjoying the stunnign scenery as your travel over the Pennines in Lancaster and Yorkshire.

Please note: It's recommended that only more experienced paddlers or groups of paddlers with experienced leaders/coaches paddle on the sections of the Aire & Calder Navigation.