Leeds Liverpool Canal Routes

Leeds & Liverpool Canal: 127 miles, 93 locks and 2 tunnels Leigh Branch: 7 miles and 2 locks Rufford Branch: 7 miles and 8 locks

Location, location, location…….

We are located at Riley Green in the idyllic Lancashire country side at our lovely Riley Green Marina against the stunning backdrop of the historic Hoghton Tower.

Ideally situated almost halfway between Leeds and Liverpool, the canal is rated as one of the most picturesque of all canals and boasts many excellent pubs, restaurants, shops, attractions & historic sites. Travel west towards Liverpool passing through the famous Wigan flight or travel east towards Leeds passing through the Yorkshire market town of Skipton and on towards the famous Bingley five rise. Both routes will take you through the stunning countryside and the contrasting industrial mill towns of Lancashire and Yorkshire.

One of three trans-Pennine waterways, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is 127 miles long and, via its connection with the Aire & Calder at Leeds, offers a coast-to-coast route across the north of England. Fascinating towns and attractions abound, from the big city appeal of Leeds to the peace of villages on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Waterway landmarks include the famous Five Rise flight of locks at Bingley, the impressive Burnley Embankment, and Foulridge Tunnel.

How far you go depends on a number of factors

how early you get up and go to bed, how energetic you want the holiday to be and how many other boaters are using the canal. The routes suggested below  may give you an idea of the places you can visit.

You will travel at approximately 3-4 miles per hour and the same applies to the number of locks per hour. The enjoyment from narrowboating comes from meandering along, taking in the scenery and wildlife and of course stopping at the odd pub!

To some, circular routes offer the advantage of only seeing the sights once but you must ensure you keep to your schedule in order to achieve the plan. We have included 2 circular routes but both require at least 2 weeks' hire.

Suggested cruising routes from our base in Riley Green

• One week cruise:
  Skipton and Bingley, Manchester or the Douglas Valley
• Two week cruise:
  A combination of our 1 week cruises and the Rochdale or Huddersfield Circular 
• Three week cruise:
  Trent and Mersey & Shropshire Union or Cheshire Ring
• Short Breaks

Your suggestions and comments are welcome

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