10 of the prettiest canal walks in the North and Scotland

Fancy a proper canal walk? Get ready to explore some of the most picturesque routes across the North of England and Scotland. There’s nothing like the calming sound of water, a path that promises both adventure and tranquillity, and a good stretch of the legs to make you feel good.

From charming towpaths flanked by wildflowers to breathtaking scenery dotted with cosy pubs and picture-perfect picnic spots, these waterside walks are perfect for a family day out or just some well-earned me-time. Lace up your boots, pack a snack (or two!), and get ready to discover our top 10 canal walks!

1. Canal walks in Manchester city centre

Manchester is famed for its canals, with the likes of the Manchester Ship Canal, Ashton Canal and more.

The Castlefield Canal walk is an easy city centre route. It starts at Castlefield Junction and loops back round, taking in plenty of sights along the way, including the Grade II-listed Castlefield Viaduct. The 1.5-mile walk is a great one to do in the late afternoon or early evening. You can enjoy a nice cold drink at the end too – Castlefield has plenty of lively bars and restaurants to enjoy.

Other options include the 5-mile walk from Salford Quays along the Manchester Ship Canal to Warburton, or a stroll along the Ashton Canal from Paradise Wharf.

2. Bridgewater Canal walk, Manchester

The Bridgewater Canal and TransPennine Trail is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. This circular 8km route near Altrincham, Greater Manchester, offers a moderately challenging adventure, taking around 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete. Perfect for hiking, running and walking, it’s a popular spot where you’re bound to see fellow explorers. The trail winds through scenic landscapes, making it a great choice year-round – each season brings its own beauty. Dogs are welcome too and can even roam off-lead in some areas. Whether you’re after a workout or a stroll, this trail is a cracking choice.

3. Rochdale Canal walk, Manchester

The Rochdale Canal is an easy escape if you’re arriving at Manchester Piccadilly. Just head to nearby Ducie Street, turn right along the towpath, and you’re on your way. While the canal stretches an impressive 32 miles to Rochdale, there’s no pressure to go the distance. This is an ideal spot for a relaxed city centre stroll, where you can choose how far (or how little) you want to wander. With waterside views and a peaceful vibe, it’s the perfect way to unwind, whether you’ve got ten minutes or an afternoon to spare.

4. Union Canal walk, Edinburgh

The Union Canal stretches from the centre of Edinburgh to Falkirk. Here it joins with the Forth and Clyde Canal, which runs into Glasgow, meaning Scotland’s two biggest cities are connected by an inland waterway.

A popular walk along the Union Canal towpath begins in Fountainbridge Square and stretches for 5.7 miles to Redhill Park. It’s a fantastic retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, and there are plenty of pubs and cafés to enjoy en route. Before you set out on your walk, you can explore Edinburgh Quay at the terminus of the canal. You’ll be spoilt for choice for places to enjoy an al fresco lunch on the waterside.

5. Lancaster Canal walk

The Lancaster Canal offers plenty of options for great canalside walks in the Lancashire countryside, stretching 57 miles from Preston to Kendal. In days gone by, it was referred to as the ‘Black and White Canal’ as barges on it used to carry coal and limestone.

Today, you can pick it up in Lancaster for a lovely stroll to take in some of the historical sites of the city. Beginning in the centre of Lancaster, you’ll pass Lancaster Cathedral and walk north for 2 miles along the canal until you reach the Lune Aqueduct. The stunning Grade I aqueduct has been called ‘One of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways’. The masterpiece of engineering carries the canal 16 metres above the River Lune and is a spectacular sight to visit.

If you fancy stretching your legs further, you can continue along the canal path to Morecambe Bay.

6. Forth and Clyde Canal walk, Glasgow

Opening in 1790, the Forth and Clyde Canal was the first canal built in Scotland. For a lovely walk along the Forth and Clyde, you can join the canal path in the centre of Glasgow at Port Dundas. Then, follow the canal northwest, passing Firhill Park and Ruchill Park, and turn west at Maryhill to reach the Kelvin Aqueduct. The walk then takes you through Blairdardie, Old Drumchapel and Linnvale, before coming to Clydebank. Here you can enjoy views of the Clyde River and rest your legs. It’s a 9-mile walk, so you might need it! You can then simply hop on the train at Clydebank station for a 20-minute ride back into Glasgow.

7. Leeds and Liverpool Canal walk

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a real standout for walkers, stretching an impressive 127 miles and holding the title of the longest canal in the North. Built to link Leeds and Liverpool, this historic waterway passes through East Lancashire, rolls across the Pennine countryside and weaves through charming villages near the Yorkshire Dales. It’s packed with highlights too – the iconic Bingley Five Rise Locks are a must-see, as is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, with its rich industrial history. A full walk might take you 12 days, but you can easily split it into shorter sections if you’re after a weekend adventure.

8. Sheffield and Tinsley Canal walk

The Sheffield and Tinsley Canal Walk is a brilliant way to explore the city’s mix of industrial heritage and contemporary culture. Starting at the historic Victoria Quays in Sheffield, this 4.4km walk takes you along a peaceful towpath lined with wildlife, greenery and remnants of Sheffield’s steel-making past. The route winds its way to Tinsley Marina, where you’ll find open spaces perfect for relaxing by the water. If you fancy more exploration, the nearby Tinsley Locks and Pump House are worth a visit.

9. Aire and Calder Canal walk, Leeds

The Aire and Calder Navigation mixes history and modern life perfectly, making it a fascinating spot for a walk. From Wakefield Kirkgate station, you can join the towpath and head southeast toward Stanley Ferry, a scenic 4-mile walk (one way). Along the route, you’ll pass old locks, waterside pubs and the impressive Stanley Ferry Aqueduct – a striking 19th-century structure that still carries the canal today. It’s a flat, easy walk, ideal for a relaxed afternoon in Leeds.

If you’re up for more, continue toward Altofts or loop back through Thornes Park for a mix of waterside and green space walking. It’s a great option for families, solo walkers or anyone looking to unwind by the water.

10. Huddersfield Narrow Canal walk

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal stretches for around 20 miles from the town centre to Ashton-under-Lyne on the outskirts of Manchester.

From Huddersfield, you can pick up an 8-mile walk along the canal to the Standedge Tunnel – the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in the UK. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous Castle Hill, crumbling historic mills, leafy woodland and the beautiful Colne Valley. The villages of Milnsbridge, Slaithwaite and Marsden make for great places to stop too. On the way home, you can jump on the train from Marsden to Huddersfield if you don’t fancy walking the 8 miles back.

For a shorter walk, you can head along the canal from Slaithwaite and finish at Zapato Brewing for a cold drink and some street food. The setting is beautiful, and you can relax on the picnic benches before strolling back.

With so many beautiful canal walks available across our network, you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to visit! Book your train now to any of our destinations to avoid disappointment.

For more inspiration on things to do and activities along our network, check out our blogs on The most beautiful places in the UK to visit and the Best spring walk destinations across the North and Scotland.