Biking the tow path: The UK's best canal cycle routes

Traffic-free and incredibly pretty, biking along canals offers fantastic fun for cyclists of all levels. Whether you want to enjoy a gentle cycle for an hour or so or go at it hard for several days, the canal cycle routes below are terrific for two-wheeled adventure.

Grand Western Canal

The Grand Western Canal offers an easy to moderate route of 20 miles through the lovely Devon countryside. Starting from Tiverton Parkway station and finishing in Taunton, there a charming villages en route with pubs offering good lunch options. The picturesque historic house and gardens of Cothay Manor are also well worth visiting on your way.

Lancaster Canal

Lancaster Canal starts its 41 mile journey in Preston in Lancashire and finishes in Kendal within Cumbria, so as well as being a fantastic trip in its own right, it’s also a great way to travel to the Lake District. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to breathtaking scenery along the route such as the Silverdale Coast and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Union Canal

An excellent way to see Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is by bike and the Union Canal offers an easy flat cycling route of 32 miles from Edinburgh to Falkirk. Starting at Edinburgh Quay the route passes several aqueducts before finishing at the impressive Falkirk Wheel which is the only rotating boat lift in the world.

Caledonian Canal

For spectacular cycling scenery it’s hard to beat the Highlands of Scotland and travelling along the Caledonian Canal offers the perfect way to enjoy this scenery. Sections of the tow path are perfect for a leisurely family cycle.

The Great Glen Way cycle route from Fort William to Inverness also follows the canal and can be completed in two to three days. It is advisable to use a mountain bike or hybrid for this journey as the surface of the route isn’t well suited to road tyres. Cycling along the Caledonian Canal provides a great opportunity to view the beautiful Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness.

Canal Cycling

It’s a good idea to plan your cycle route first to make sure it is appropriate for the fitness levels of all members in your cycling party. Check your bike is in good working order before starting off and wear suitable riding gear such as a helmet and high-visibility clothing.

When cycling along the canal towpaths it is important to follow some general rules of conduct that will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users of the canal routes. Pedestrians have priority on towpaths so it is important to give them sufficient warning of your approach by ringing a bicycle bell and then slowing down and waiting for them to move before passing them. You should always be polite to other users of the towpath.

Follow the signs on the towpath, for example those indicating to dismount at specific places such as bridges and to walk underneath them. Remain vigilant whilst cycling as small children and animals may move unpredictably. It is also advisable not to wear headphones while cycling as this will reduce your awareness of your surroundings. By following such rules of conduct you can help to make towpaths a fun environment which cyclists and pedestrians can both benefit from while guaranteeing a great day out whether cycling by yourself or with others.