Walking the Leeds Liverpool Canal

Q. I am wanting information about walking the Liverpool/Leeds canal route.

I plan to visit England and I think this would be a good walk for me a senior citizen who can walk distance but not hills!

Elizabeth Chase from British Columbia, Canada

A. I cycled the canal from Leeds to Liverpool with a group of friends a couple of years ago. We booked accommodation in advance, as suggested by someone here, and had a great time. If I was going to do it again I'd make sure that I did from Aintree through Bootle and into Liverpool earlier in the day as we encountered some unprovoked abuse and felt a bit intimidated by some of the lads at this end.

Leeds Lass, Leeds

A. Sorry Mike, Paul Simon did not compose Homeward Bound at Wigan Pier, but when he was waiting for a train at Widnes Station. It would probably have been around 1966, as the song was a hit that year.

David Dawber, Lytham St Annes

A. I once cycled the whole length of this canal. The route is almost completely flat, apart from a few locks.

Although there are some industrial areas, on the whole it is pretty quiet and scenic. I would book accommodation beforehand, as it can only be found in the more major towns.

I found Barnoldswick to be a good night out!

Michael Hill, Wigan

A. This route is perfectly walkable with very easy walking on a tow path. The best bit is between Colne and Keighley. A few years ago some physiotherapists ran the route in about 45 hours fuelled by honey sandwiches.

Visit Wigan Pier, (near which Paul Simon is alleged to have dreamed up 'Homeward Bound') and don't forget the little branch 'cut' that goes up behind Skipton Castle.

Mike Knipe from Crook

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