8. Along its 1,200 km of rivers and canals, Burgundy reveals one of its most striking facets with the Canal du Nivernais running through unspoilt countryside of great natural beauty. Two days are on tow paths which can be bumpy. The Stay Kind, Slow Down campaign was launched by the national charity, which looks after 2,000 miles of waterways, at the beginning of October. The Leeds - Liverpool Canal is popular with cyclists and work is being done to make it even more accessible to cyclists. When cycling on towpaths, follow the towpath code to make sure that everyone can enjoy the space. Whatever your age or cycling ability, taking to the towpaths on two wheels is a great way to escape rush hour traffic, get some exercise and enjoy a little bit of the countryside in the city. The 1.7-mile Netherton Tunnel, near Dudley, has a cyclable towpath for the brave! Walking or cycling along the UK's busiest towpath is at times an unnerving experience, with cyclists, and people on foot jostling for limited space. Most towpaths are unlit, so on dark winter evenings you’ll need some good lights to see where you’re going – but be careful to check the brightness and point them downwards to avoid dazzling other people. The towpaths are nice and flat, so it really is suitable for everyone! If you’re cycling, you must go slow enough to mind and give way to other people, and to be able to stop safely if you need to. Some of the towpath is part of the National Cycle Network. Camping isn't just about the cost. When approaching a bridge you cannot always see if anyone is coming the other way and the towpath is not wide enough to allow people and bikes to pass. Find a cycling group; Why your group should join Cycling UK; Why start a new cycling group? Canal towpaths are ideal for cycling as they are generally flat and wide enough to accommodate both cyclists and walkers and away from heavy traffic. Providing green corridors through our cities and linking our towns and villages together, you can use our towpaths to enjoy an afternoon out with your family, a traffic-free … Distance: … Here is a link to the 'Canal and River Trust' you will find lots of information and hints for cyclists. For more information, see Cycling UK’s guide to bike lights. The Kennet and Avon Cycle Route is around 83 miles in length and takes you from Bath to Reading. 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. Peak Forest Canal cycle trail. 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. River Ouse cycle ride. Explore the Caledonian Canal by bike. I would like the bike to last me a long while and to not be something I … Scottish union canal. We travel mainly on canal towpaths and country roads, on flat or gently undulating terrain. Simply fill in your name and email to subscribe! The canal’s impressive architecture is in keeping with the peaceful surroundings. 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. Lower Lea Valley cycle ride. My commute is 23 miles each way and I usually ride my cross bike with road tyres. Read the Canal and River Trust pages on cycling here. Leeds & Liverpool Canal Cycling Guide. Cycling in Britain: five great waterways cycle routes. The towpaths are nice and flat, so it really is suitable for everyone! So is a smile and a ‘thank you’. When cycling on towpaths, follow the towpath code to make sure that everyone can enjoy the space. Cycling is a cheap and healthy way to get about, whether travelling to work or school, or just for enjoyment.” Councillor Taylor said the council was taking steps to encourage people to make journeys by bike along improved canal towpaths. in Birmingham, where the canal runs close to the University; and in Woking, where upgrading a section of the Basingstoke Canal has linked schools and neighbourhoods to the town centre.3 Visit and you could see cyclists, walkers, boaters, anglers, kayakers and even horses pulling boats along the water. Canal towpaths can be a relaxing place to cycle beside the water, as well as providing useful connecting routes away from traffic. From coastal routes to canal towpaths to forests, Yorkshire offers an array of cycling routes that everyone can enjoy. For more information on cycling on towpaths please visit the Canal & River Trust Website. Many of these routes have been provided by British Cycling. Our waterways can be very lively spaces. Traffic-free and incredibly pretty, biking along canals offers fantastic fun for cyclists of all levels. Glad I did!) 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. Design and create kit for your cycling club or group, "Be Nice, Say Hi!" – Just make sure you carry your permit with you at all times whilst your riding on the towpaths! Working with charities; Articles of Association. 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. The paths can be narrow and have blind corners under bridges, so make sure you are able to stop if you need to and let other people pass. From behind, slow down and ring your bell or say a friendly hello to let know. 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