Unlocking The North West's Waterways

In the North West, our network covers 200 miles (411km) of canals. Stretching from the docks of the River Mersey to the hills of the Pennines, North West waterways offer a vast network of canals with ever changing scenery. The waterways in this area are: Ashton Canal, Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Rochdale Canal, Peak Forest Canal, Lancaster Canal, Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

There are plenty of places to explore on the North West waterways, from the Rochdale Canal - nicknamed the 'Everest' of canals, with its easy towpath walks across the Pennine Hills, to the bustling docks of Liverpool, where the Maritime events attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is the longest in Britain with a main line of 127 miles, offering visitors a fascinating insight into our industrial heritage, whilst the Peak Forest Canal is without doubt one of Britain's most scenic waterways - a great place to visit if you want to unwind.

We are actively involved in the renaissance of the North West. The last few years have seen much work carried out to restore the regions waterways. Our success at ensuring that the inland waterways are appreciated and enjoyed by all, has helped establish the region as a leading visitor destination.