Why a towpath walk is the best kind of boating excursion

There is something wonderfully civilised about mooring up, stepping off the stern, and following the towpath for an hour or two. You do not need specialist kit, the ground is almost always level, and the reward is usually a view of your own boat from a distance — or a well-earned pint in a village pub. These ten gentle walks are chosen for boating weekends, when you want to stretch your legs without turning the day into a route march. Distances are return unless stated, and all are easy underfoot in dry weather. Take a map, a flask, and a sense of curiosity.

Three easy leg-stretchers: under two miles

• Stoke Bruerne to Blisworth Tunnel mouth (Grand Union Canal) — about 1.5 miles there and back. A flat, wide towpath leads north from the village to the dark portal of Blisworth Tunnel. Look for kingfishers along the quieter stretches, and pause at the picnic table near the tunnel mouth. The return is a gentle amble back to a canalside inn.
• Bradford-on-Avon to Avoncliff (Kennet & Avon Canal) — roughly 2 miles each way. Follow the Avon from the wharf, past the old mill, to the pretty aqueduct at Avoncliff. The path is firm and mostly level, with several benches. A good choice for a morning walk before the day’s boating.
• Thrupp to Shipton-on-Cherwell (Oxford Canal) — about 1.5 miles return. This is classic Oxford Canal: narrow, twisty, and lined with willows. The towpath is grassy in places, so wear sturdy shoes after rain. Picnic spots beside the lift bridge are plentiful.

Three two-mile rambles with a village pub

• Braunston to bridge 91 (Grand Union Canal) — a 2.5-mile round trip along the main line, with wide views over the fields. Braunston’s village pubs are a short walk uphill from the canal, making this a fine lunchtime leg-stretcher.
• Gargrave to Eshton Beck (Leeds & Liverpool Canal) — about 2 miles return. The path runs beside the canal and then the River Aire, with low stiles and gentle gradients. Gargrave has a village shop and a pub, so you can refill water bottles and treat yourself.
• Kintbury to Hamstead Lock (Kennet & Avon Canal) — roughly 2.5 miles return. Follow the Kennet through water meadows, past a lock and a weir. The path can be muddy in winter, but the pub in Kintbury is worth saving your appetite for.

Four half-day meanders for longer afternoons

• Skipton to Gargrave (Leeds & Liverpool Canal) — about 4.5 miles one way. This is one of the finest gentle walks in the north, with rolling Dales views, a few locks, and plenty of benches. Return the same way or catch a local bus if your legs have had enough.
• Llangollen to Froncysyllte (Llangollen Canal) — roughly 4 miles return. The path clings to the hillside above the Dee before reaching the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It is narrow in places and not for those who dislike heights, but the views are unforgettable. Picnic at the aqueduct basin.
• Caen Hill to Devizes (Kennet & Avon Canal) — about 3 miles return. The famous flight of locks is a spectacle in itself. Walk down the flight and into Devizes for a coffee, then climb back at your own pace. There are plenty of seats and interpretation boards.
• Stratford-upon-Avon to Wilmcote (Stratford-upon-Avon Canal) — roughly 5 miles one way. A gentle, lock-rich walk through Shakespeare country. The path is generally good, with a few road crossings. Wilmcote has a station and a pub, so you can return by train or retrace your steps.

Picnic spots and practical kit

The best towpath picnics are simple: a lock-side bench, a flat grassy bank above an aqueduct, or a village green within sight of the boat. Look for mown edges near mooring rings, and avoid long grass where ticks may lurk in summer. Pack a groundsheet, a flask, and a bin bag — leave nothing but footprints. A small daypack with waterproofs, sun cream, midge repellent, and a basic first-aid kit covers most British weather. If you are walking a river towpath, check the tide times and local flood warnings before setting off; canal towpaths are usually more predictable.

Towpath etiquette and timing your walk

Towpaths are shared spaces. Keep to one side, step aside for cyclists and anglers, and always close gates behind you. Dogs should be under close control near livestock and other boats. Do not walk across private moorings or between a boat and the bank — it is both rude and risky. Start walks in the morning if you want the path to yourself, and plan to be back at the boat before dusk. A head torch is useful for late returns, and a folded paper map will not run out of battery. Finally, tell someone your route and expected return time, even if it is just a note left on the galley table.