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Our map also shows the Liverpool Canal Link that connects the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, at the Liverpool Pier Head, to the city's South Docks.
1.4 additional miles and 7 more locks including the Link Locks 1 to 4 and the 3 locks in the docks: Princes, Mann Island and Brunswick Sea locks.
There are two 49a bridges, north west of Wigan. Both are marked 49a. Clearly an oversight in the past!
Note: Loading Locks & Bridges at the same time on large & complex maps can be cluttered.
Zoom in to spread items and see greater detail.
Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductKey Tips for Navigation
Navigating the Leeds and Liverpool Canal requires some preparation.
Plan your daily route, Check the weather. Decide on stops for lunch or sightseeing. Identify which bridge number is closest to your stops. Check your locking equipment is on hand. Ropes deployed for quick use. Pets kept safe from falling in.
Narrowboats: These traditional long boats are perfect for navigating the canal's numerous locks and tunnels. Popular among holidaymakers and live-aboards, narrowboats offer a cosy and authentic experience.
Widebeams: Ideal for those seeking more space, widebeams are favoured by live-aboards and families. However, their size can limit passage in narrower sections.
Cruisers: Smaller, versatile boats are great for short trips and summer adventures, offering a nimble way to explore the canal.
Locks: With 98 locks, including the iconic Bingley Five-Rise, boaters need to be familiar with lock operation.
Tunnels: Tunnels like Foulridge Tunnel, over 1,600 yards long, offer thrilling experiences but require coordination and care.
Boater Facilities: Facilities such as water points, sanitary stations, and mooring spots are plentiful along the route, ensuring a smooth journey.
Leeds to Skipton: A picturesque journey through rolling countryside, historic villages, and the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
Burnley to Wigan: This stretch offers industrial heritage mixed with engineering marvels like the Burnley Embankment and Wigan’s locks.
Liverpool Link: A highlight for many, the Liverpool Link takes you right into the heart of the city, offering views of the Albert Dock and waterfront.
Leeds
Start your journey in Leeds, a bustling city with a thriving arts scene and landmarks like the Royal Armouries Museum. Granary Wharf is a great mooring spot with access to restaurants and shops.
Saltaire
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saltaire is a model Victorian village with beautifully preserved architecture. Visit Salts Mill, which houses galleries, shops, and cafes.
Skipton
Known as the "Gateway to the Dales," Skipton is a charming market town. Its medieval castle is a must-see, and the town’s bustling market adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
Burnley Embankment
This "Straight Mile" offers breathtaking views of Burnley from an elevated position. It’s an engineering marvel and a favourite photo stop.
Bingley Five-Rise Locks
This staircase of five locks is an awe-inspiring sight and a challenging but rewarding part of the journey for boaters.
Liverpool
End your trip in the vibrant city of Liverpool. The canal’s Liverpool Link gives boaters unparalleled access to the city’s waterfront attractions, including the Albert Dock and The Beatles Story museum.
No canal journey is complete without a visit to the local pubs. Here are some standout options:
The Cross Keys, Leeds: A historic pub serving real ales and hearty food.
The Woolly Sheep Inn, Skipton: Known for its welcoming atmosphere and Yorkshire charm.
The Thirsty Duck, Burscough: A favourite among boaters, offering canal-side views and delicious meals.
The Saracens Head, Halsall: Nestled along the canal, this pub offers a cosy atmosphere and scenic views.
The Running Horses, Maghull: A Great British Waterside pub - Great Food, Great Beer & Great Hosts.
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is well-equipped for modern boaters, ensuring comfort and convenience:
Water Points and Sanitary Stations: Located at regular intervals for refilling and waste disposal.
Mooring Locations: Designated mooring spots with easy access to towns, villages, and attractions.
Shops and Chandlers: Supplies are readily available in larger towns like Skipton, Burnley, and Wigan.
Fuel and Maintenance Services: Boaters can find fuel stations and maintenance facilities along the route.
For those new to the canal or without their own boat, several reputable companies offer holiday hire:
Snaygill Boats, Skipton: Known for their well-maintained narrowboats and friendly service.
Silsden Boats, Silsden: Offers a range of narrowboats ideal for families and couples.
Canal Boat Cruises of Riley Green: Exploring the Waterways in Tranquillity - the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal boasts several engineering marvels that highlight the ingenuity of its creators:
Bingley Five-Rise Locks: A true wonder, this lock staircase raises boats 60 feet over five locks in a dramatic ascent.
Foulridge Tunnel: At over 1,600 yards, this tunnel is an adventurous passage for boaters.
Burnley Embankment: A stunning example of elevated canal construction, offering panoramic views.
For those who call the Leeds and Liverpool Canal home, life on the water offers a unique blend of freedom and community. Live-aboards enjoy tranquil surroundings, close-knit boater communities, and access to both rural and urban amenities. Regularly spaced facilities ensure a comfortable lifestyle, while the canal’s diversity of scenery keeps life exciting.
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a living testament to Britain’s industrial heritage, seamlessly blending history with modern-day leisure and lifestyle. Whether you’re holidaying on a narrowboat, exploring on a widebeam, or cruising for a weekend getaway, this canal offers a rich tapestry of experiences. With its stunning scenery, vibrant towns, welcoming pubs, and impressive engineering feats, it’s no wonder the Leeds and Liverpool Canal remains a favourite for boaters and adventurers alike.
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal, a monumental feat of engineering, is the longest canal in England, stretching over 127 miles. This historic waterway connected the booming industrial centres of Leeds and Liverpool, facilitating the movement of goods and shaping the region's economic growth. Its story is one of innovation, resilience, and the transformative power of infrastructure.
The idea for a canal linking Leeds and Liverpool was first proposed in the mid-18th century as a response to the growing demand for efficient transport of goods between Yorkshire and Lancashire. Key figures in the initial planning were Leeds merchants and Liverpool traders who sought to connect the textile mills of Yorkshire with the port of Liverpool, which provided access to international markets.
In 1766, a survey was conducted by renowned engineers John Longbotham, James Brindley and Robert Whitworth. A route was outlined. However, the estimated cost of £259,777 sparked debate. The project gained momentum when Parliament passed an Act in 1770 authorising the construction of the canal.
Construction began in 1770 under the guidance of engineer James Brindley, one of Britain’s most celebrated canal engineers. Brindley’s expertise in lock design and water management was instrumental, though he passed away in 1772, leaving his assistant, Robert Whitworth, to take over. Whitworth introduced several design changes to address the challenges of the terrain and funding.
Initially, the canal’s route aimed for the shortest and most direct path between Leeds and Liverpool. However, political and financial pressures from influential landowners and investors led to deviations. For example, the canal was rerouted to include towns like Blackburn, Burnley, and Wigan to appease stakeholders and secure additional funding. These changes added both length and complexity to the project.
The canal’s construction faced numerous delays due to financial difficulties, the challenging landscape, and political interference. The first section, from Leeds to Skipton, was completed in 1777. Progress on the Liverpool side moved more slowly due to the complexity of the route and funding shortages.
The canal was fully opened in 1816, after nearly 50 years of work. By then, it had cost over £1.2 million—far exceeding the initial estimate. Despite the challenges, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was celebrated as a triumph of British engineering and determination.
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal quickly became a lifeline for the industrial north. It carried coal, textiles, limestone, and grain between towns and cities, fuelling the region’s industrial revolution. The canal also transported finished goods from Leeds and Bradford to Liverpool’s docks for export.
Funding for the canal came primarily from local businesses and wealthy landowners. The need to secure investments significantly influenced the canal’s route. Towns willing to contribute financially were included, even if it meant deviating from the shortest path. This strategy ensured broad regional support but increased construction costs and extended the timeline.
Like many of Britain’s canals, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal began to decline with the advent of the railway in the mid-19th century. Rail offered faster and more efficient transport, rendering the canal less competitive. By the 20th century, the canal’s commercial use had dwindled, and it fell into disrepair.
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal has experienced a resurgence in recent decades, thanks to restoration efforts and its designation as a site of historical and recreational significance. Today, it’s a popular destination for leisure activities such as boating, fishing, and walking. Narrowboats and holiday cruisers ply its waters, offering visitors a chance to explore its scenic landscapes and rich history.
Conclusion
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal stands as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of Britain’s early industrial age. Its history is woven with tales of engineering brilliance, economic ambition, and the challenges of collaboration. Today, it serves as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting modern visitors to explore its tranquil waters and storied landscapes.
Users of the information displayed in this website or in websites linked to directly or indirectly, do so on the basis that it is a guide only. I Do Canals or its directors, partners or associates do not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies, omissions, costs incurred or disappointments of any kind what-so-ever. It is the users responsibility to check directly with any services, displayed, listed or linked to in or from this website, or associated parties with regards to (but not limited to) directions, costs, facilities, services, hospitality, availability, accommodation, etc. There is no implied recommendation for any of the entries or firms listed, nor is any criticism implied for any entry or firm not yet listed.
We have added 103 Waterways and there are 3059 entries listed and displayed on our maps and/or the resource pages:
Waterways Resources -
Boat Build & Fit Out -
Waterside Attractions. We continue to add items on a very regular basis.
Many entries have several services on offer, on average 5 services (some have many more). This means there are approx. 5 x the number of services listed.
