Leisure Access and Activities

The canal is now one of the north's major attractions, with opportunities for boating, canoeing, walking, cycling, fishing or just a quiet stroll. In 2001 there were 12.5 million visits to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, almost 10% of the total for all Britain's canals.

Boating - Surprisingly there are an estimated 1,200 boats on the canal, at less than ten per mile - well under the national average. This is difficult to understand as the canal passes through some of the most interesting, varied and beautiful scenery in the country.

It is not necessary to own a boat to enjoy the delights of travelling along the canal. There are many hire boats and trip boats along it's length, including a waterbus service between Shipley and Bingley. Public trips also operate from Skipton, Foulridge and Wigan. There is also a hotel boat, providing full board for up to six passengers, which regularly traverses the canal's delightful summit levels.

Are you Disabled? There are several boats on the canal which provide facilities for people with a disability and make it possible for them to enjoy the pleasures of a canal excursion. They are available not just for day trips, but also for extended cruises. Ramps and lifts make access easy, and on board there is sufficient space for wheelchair users. All your senses will be stimulated by a voyage on the canal. There is the movement of the boat, the sounds when working through locks, besides the varied sights along the canal, so even those whose senses are impaired can obtain much benefit.

Canoeing - It is also possible to travel the canal by canoe, though you must either be a member of the British Canoe Union or obtain a permit from British Waterways who will also supply a copy of their code for users of unpowered craft. It contains practical advice to help you enjoy canoeing on the canal, safely and without upsetting other canal users. Always remember, canoes are difficult to see from larger boats so they are not allowed in locks or through Foulridge or Gannow tunnels.

Walking - Even without a boat or car it is easy to visit the canal as it is well served by public transport. There are many railway stations along its route, and elsewhere there are plenty of regular bus services. This makes the canal an ideal place for walking. If you are accompanied by your dog please take a pooper-scoop otherwise the towpath can be unpleasant, particularly for youngsters and the disabled. Only a few stretches of towpath, at Silsden, Rishton and on the Rufford branch, are totally unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, though hopefully even these short lengths will soon be improved.

Besides the well known long distance walks like the Pennine Way, many local authorities have arranged circular walks in their area. These often use or cross the towpath, and details of the routes can be obtained from the nearest Tourist Information Centre. The only section of towpath where access is difficult is in Liverpool. There are gates onto the canal bank here which have been locked with the canal's handcuff lock for many years in an effort to reduce accidents to children. Keys are available from British Waterways.

Cycling - The towpath is rarely a public Right of Way and should only be used by cyclists who have obtained a permit from British Waterways. This permit is now provided FREE and can be printed directly from Waterscape. If you do cycle along the towpath always slow down for others, particularly around locks.

Fishing - With clean fresh water, the canal provides an excellent location for fishing. Around a dozen clubs lease the fishing rights from British Waterways, the largest one, Northern Anglers, controlling the section from Johnson's Hillock to Greenberfield. You can obtain the addresses of these clubs by enquiring at your local British Waterways office or from the Fisheries Officer at their regional head office. Besides permission from the relevant fishing club, it is essential to have a National Rivers Authority licence. These can be purchased at most angling shops and, when last checked, cost £12.50.
If you use the canal for fishing, please follow the Waterways Code. These few simple rules, not just for fishermen but for all canal users, make the canal and towpath a pleasanter place for everyone. Copies can be obtained from British Waterways offices.