Leeds to Liverpool Canal – Local Access Points

Some of our club members have been getting out for their daily exercise on local waterways. We have updated our Leeds to Liverpool Canal page to indicate some of the local paddles available. We especially recommend the British Canoeing guides and suggested routes at the bottom of the page. If anyone has more good suggestions for access points, routes or trip reports for local paddles please pass them on.

At the moment you are able to exercise locally within a household group or if on your own with one other person. You will of course need access to your own canoe or kayak as the all club facilities are closed during National Lockdown. NB please note that this includes the Liverpool Docks and Coburg Slipway which should not be used whilst all club paddling is suspended.

Would be good to hear about some of your local paddling – please send items for the newsletter to

There are many access points along the canal. The full route is 167 miles long, but many local paddlers use the canal for local trips. There is also the Rufford Branch, that goes north from Burscough to Tarlton Lock near Hesketh Bank and is worth exploring. Others have also explored a round trip returning on the River Douglas (Grade 1?) as it follows a section of the canal.

The Leeds Liverpool canal is used by many Pleasure boats. Please paddle on the right-hand side of the canal when passing other traffic and watch out for fishing rods along its banks. Food and drink can be purchased at any of the canal side Pubs. There are also picnic areas by the Ship Inn Burscough. You may wish to bring your own food and drink.

Canoe trails to download
Eldonian Village Hall to Cooksons Bridge	Cooksons Bridge to The New Scarisbrick Arms	The New Scarisbrick Arms to Appley Bridge

Appley Bridge to Trencherfield Mill	Wigan Top Lock to Walton Summit Branch	Johnson’s Hillock Top Lock to Riley Green

Riley Green to Eanam Wharf	Eanam Wharf to Church	Church, Accrington to Reedley Marina

Reedley Marina to Greenberfield	Greenberfield to Anchor Lock	Anchor Lock to Low Bradley

Low Bradley to Riddlesden	Riddlesden to Apperley Bridge	Apperley Bridge to Leeds

Leeds Lock to Castleford	Castleford Junction to Whitley	Whitley Lock to Goole

Canal map for UK…..

Canal and Rivers Trust – Leeds to Liverpool Canal

Coast to Coast: Canoe trail

Liverpool Canoe Club

Leeds to Liverpool Canal – Local Access Points