Put the spring back into your step

Keeping mile after mile of towpaths, free, open and accessible for everyone to explore is an essential part of the work you help support. It’s why the flat, easy-walking towpath routes are walked and enjoyed by millions of people every year.

Whether you want to get back to nature, discover our industrial heritage, or simply take some time to unwind, a host of peaceful canal walks await you. Here are a few of our favourite canal walks for you to enjoy, showcasing the wonderful spaces your support helps to look after.

Take in the sights in Somerset

We start with a scenic walk along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal in Somerset, combining history and nature on a relaxed three-and-a-half-mile loop.

From the small hamlet of Bathpool, the towpath takes you over a swing bridge and past the local marina, where a colourful array of boats are moored. The route then continues to Firepool Lock, with its distinctive ball-weight paddle mechanism and Grade II-listed red-brick pumping station.

On the return journey, the walk guides you along the wooded banks of the River Tone giving you ample opportunity to spot the diverse wildlife by the water.

Walk through history in the West Midlands

Step back in time on a four-mile walk from Etruria Junction to Harecastle Tunnel along the Trent & Mersey Canal – the waterway that powered the local pottery industry. As you walk along the towpath, you’ll see echoes of our industrial past all around, including Middleport Pottery’s towering bottle kiln.

As you approach the end of your walk, the route takes you through Westport Lake, a sanctuary for migrating birds, before the canal turns a rusty orange shade and you’re greeted by the spectacular sight of Harecastle Tunnel.

Get back to nature in North Wales

There’s no better place to walk than in the heart of the Welsh countryside, especially on this scenic two-mile stroll along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. It begins at Goytre Wharf, from where coal, iron ore, limestone, and fireclay for bricks were once loaded onto barges and transported down the valley by canal to Blaenavon ironworks. You can still see two limestone kilns here that once turned this raw material into fertiliser.

From here, simply follow the towpath until you reach Park-y-Brain Upper and Lower Bridges. Stop at the lower bridge to see its distinctive diamond-shaped weight restriction sign from 1880.

As you stroll, you can enjoy wildlife among the oak and alder trees along this part of the canal, and before long, you’ll come to Croes-y-Pant Bridge, marking the boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Finish your walk at Pentre Bridge or keep going to discover wonderful mountain views.

Step out in the city in West Yorkshire

If you prefer changing city landscapes consider taking a two-and-a-half-mile walk through Leeds city centre, along the River Aire and the Aire & Calder Navigation. Starting at Clarence Dock Bridge on the historic dockside, the route follows the river’s edge, flanked by old Victorian warehouses.

From here, you’ll continue to Leeds Lock before joining a tree-lined riverside path that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The route finishes at Thwaite Watermill, nestled between the two waterways, which is one of the last remaining water-powered mills in Britain.

Walk on the wild side in London

We finish with a two-mile journey along the Regent’s Canal, uncovering a lesser-known side of London that few others see. Depart from Little Venice and you’ll pass rows of brightly coloured narrowboats and lively canal gardens as you leave city life behind.

Running beside the Regent’s Park, the towpath dips under the notorious ‘Blow Up Bridge’, the site of a historic barge explosion. Keep an eye out for giraffes and exotic birds, as the route runs alongside London Zoo, before reaching the vibrant heart of Camden.

As you walk, we hope you feel inspired and proud to play such an essential part in caring for all our canals and towpaths, helping keep these special places alive for everyone to enjoy.