Two friends walking along the towpath in Birmingham and smiling at the camera.

Top ten city walks

Stretch your legs with one of our top ten city 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 waterside 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.

We’re proud to support This Girl Can, Sport England’s initiative helping to empower women to get active. Canals and rivers are great places to get started.

City 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 walks.

London walks

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

Yorkshire walks

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

Birmingham walks

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

North West walks

Person sits on a lock gate in the sun on the Rochdale Canal in Manchester

Manchester canal walk

A 2.2km linear walk from Paradise Wharf to Piccadilly Basin, taking in the Ashton Canal, New Islington Marina and the Rochdale Canal

Liverpool Docks walk

Enjoy a 2km linear wellbeing walk along Liverpool Docks with lots to see along the way

Midlands walks

Coventry canal walk

Stroll along the Coventry Canal, starting at the canal basin. This long walk can be broken into smaller sections

Leicester canal and river walk

This 3.3km walk takes you on a circular route along the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line and the tranquil River Soar

Wellbeing on your doorstep

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A young woman leaning on a bridge overlooking the canal

Happy Place By Water

Spending time by your local canal can give your mood a boost. Why not find your #HappyPlaceByWater?

Last Edited: 09 May 2024