127 mile walk (Liverpool to Leeds)

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 5:37 pm

This is something I've always wanted to do, and think I've mentioned it on here in the past.
I know a few friends who have biked it, but walking it has always been my preference as it gives me more time to take photos (and appreciate in parts the oil filled water and factories

)

Does anybody know if it's doable to stay in several locations along the way?

3.5 miles per hour is 42 hours of walking - doable in a few days.

happyclaret17 · Post by **happyclaret17** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 5:47 pm

I cycle the towpath and seen many groups doing it by bike...by the time they get to Burnley they look thoroughly knackered....3.5 miles an hour seems an unrealistic speed..more like 2 to 21/2....personally I would not have the patience to walk it...hope if you do it you could do it sponsored and raise a few quid for a good cause....utc.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 5:55 pm

happyclaret17 wrote:I cycle the towpath and seen many groups doing it by bike...by the time they get to Burnley they look thoroughly knackered....3.5 miles an hour seems an unrealistic speed..more like 2 to 21/2....personally I would not have the patience to walk it...hope if you do it you could do it sponsored and raise a few quid for a good cause....utc.

I agree with you about the 3.5 miles and hour being unrealistic.

Raising money for a charity is definitely something I'd do and it would be for the Pendleside Hospice. My mum was in there and in the last few days of her life, couldn't walk - which is just one of several reasons why walking it would be fitting. From the friends I've asked, we've got 12 of us so far, but taking into the account I only started planning this an hour ago I expect there to be more. The only hurdle is accomodation. We'd need it booked in advance and know exactly how many miles to walk from A to B to C to D and so on.

conyoviejo · Post by **conyoviejo** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 5:59 pm

You will need your Speedos for the mile tunnel at Foulridge

happyclaret17 · Post by **happyclaret17** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:03 pm

probably best to do 3 or 4 hours as a trial then perhaps expect to go a bit slower doing the real thing.....I reckon 15 to 20 miles per day would be decent going so could take a week.
there is a site for googling pubs/accomodation near train stations...perhaps there is something similar for canals ?

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:03 pm

conyoviejo wrote:You will need your Speedos for the mile tunnel at Foulridge

I remember seeing that when I attempted to bike it from Burnley to Leeds. I got to the tunnel, came off and didn't have a bloody clue where the rest of it was!

I assume there is a route to get back on - probably very simple one too.

happyclaret17 · Post by **happyclaret17** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:19 pm

yep there is
if going from burnley to leeds
you get to the tunnel
go through gate
turn right over hump back bridge
left through gate
on that track for 1/2 a mile
through the gate
carry on up the road
turn right at tee junction
road winds round to the left
take next left and it brings you out at the canal where cafe cargo is.

conyoviejo · Post by **conyoviejo** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:20 pm

FactualFrank wrote:I remember seeing that when I attempted to bike it from Burnley to Leeds. I got to the tunnel, came off and didn't have a bloody clue where the rest of it was!

I assume there is a route to get back on - probably very simple one too.

Yes,follow the road to Foulridge Wharf where you can have a break for dinner in the cafe/restaurant on the quayside..

happyclaret17 · Post by **happyclaret17** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:30 pm

if you want a real good feed in foulridge then instead of turning left to cafe cargo, turn right and follow road to main road...turn right then 100 yards on left is the hare and hounds....fish and chips amazing and very good value...will fill you hungry walkers and its a nice pint.

yorkyclaret · Post by **yorkyclaret** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:36 pm

Cafe Cargo has new owners since I last went in, so could be better now, Hare and Hounds is excellent though, or if you want to walk a few miles further, the Abbott's Harbour at East Marton is great too.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:37 pm

yorkyclaret wrote:or if you want to walk a few miles further

Thanks, but 127 is enough

conyoviejo · Post by **conyoviejo** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:38 pm

happyclaret17 wrote:if you want a real good feed in foulridge then instead of turning left to cafe cargo, turn right and follow road to main road...turn right then 100 yards on left is the hare and hounds....fish and chips amazing and very good value...will fill you hungry walkers and its a nice pint.

Opposite the Hare and hounds there is a lovely little cafe that's sell the most delicious cheese cake ..

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:38 pm

Best by barge.

happyclaret17 · Post by **happyclaret17** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:40 pm

that sounds like pudding sorted conyoviejo...only had coffee there cos they open early on sundays and walked to foulridge one morning to pick my car up after leaving it at hare and hounds.

happyclaret17 · Post by **happyclaret17** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:43 pm

talking of East Marton....there is a pub just a few yards from canal on the a59.......food in there is good....if they do accomodation it could be a decent stop off.

bfccrazy · Post by **bfccrazy** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:50 pm

3 miles an hour is ambitous - we did pushing 55 miles (with a few wrong turns) through Peak District over 2 days - we just camped wild and it was a hard slog..... That was up and down over hills though but a shorter distance.

We aimed at 3 miles an hourish which was just head down and march on with 7 am starts due to it being winter and making most of the light - If you're doing it - take a week and do it at a nicer pace and with proper planning and footwear.

Joe14 · Post by **Joe14** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:53 pm

happyclaret17 wrote:talking of East Marton....there is a pub just a few yards from canal on the a59.......food in there is good....if they do accomodation it could be a decent stop off.

This pub (Cross Keys) is currently closed.

john'sroseyspecs · Post by **john'sroseyspecs** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:56 pm

It least it's mostly flat! Could you not get someone to act as a kind of support team so you don't have to stay the night within minutes of the route? Anyway, when you post details of how to sponsor I'll sign up. The hospice does priceless work. Their nurses meant my Nan could spend her last days at home. Superb people

Hipper · Post by **Hipper** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:57 pm

You can get a DVD of the whole canal which will give you some idea:

https://www.canalshop.co.uk/acatalog/doubledisk.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's listed fourth from bottom. The film is taken on board a boat.

There also seems to be plenty of material on youtube.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 6:59 pm

Thanks Hipper, but I'd class that as a spoiler

Part of the fun will be the scenery and what's around the corner.

The route (apart from the diversion above) isn't the issue, it was more about the accom.

bfccrazy · Post by **bfccrazy** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:04 pm

you could do it in summer and have a support car - filled with tents etc ... Then just do camping at different pitches along the way - furthest someone from Burnley would have to drive would be to Leeds/Liv so there'd no doubt be a few mates willing to.

TheFamilyCat · Post by **TheFamilyCat** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:29 pm

I've cycled it in three days stopping at Chorley and my parents' in Nelson

This website should be helpful in working out distances between towns in relation to the distance you plan to walk each day.

http://www.towpathtreks.co.uk/llc/canal_map.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck!

Loyalclaret · Post by **Loyalclaret** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:44 pm

Good luck if you do it!

Echo the recommendation for the hare & hounds and Abbott’s Harbour

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:48 pm

bfccrazy wrote:you could do it in summer and have a support car - filled with tents etc ... Then just do camping at different pitches along the way - furthest someone from Burnley would have to drive would be to Leeds/Liv so there'd no doubt be a few mates willing to.

I'm thinking around March time, as that's when the weather seems to improve. Summer could be too hot, whereas spring weather I find can be absolutely perfect for walking.

TractorFace · Post by **TractorFace** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:59 pm

March can be a bit rubbish if we have a long winter, so to speak. I'd opt for early May.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:07 pm

TractorFace wrote:March can be a bit rubbish if we have a long winter, so to speak. I'd opt for early May.

I know what you're saying, March can be a bit unpredictable. I remember March 1998 (I think), when we had summer weather. But May is too far away, so would want to do it before then. Play it by ear for the exact date, I guess.

TractorFace · Post by **TractorFace** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:09 pm

Anyway, good luck for when you do it.

happyclaret17 · Post by **happyclaret17** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:10 pm

the weather doesnt matter does it really? you will be sweating so much you would probably welcome some wind and rain.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:11 am

Why have all the replies from 8.10pm been removed?

Inchy · Post by **Inchy** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 7:08 am

Have I still got your bike Frank? Is that why you are walking ?

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 9:29 am

FactualFrank wrote:Why have all the replies from 8.10pm been removed?

I've checked the logs this morning and there has been absolutely nothing removed from this thread.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:16 pm

Cycled a similar distance with Tim Noone and it was intense. That said i find walking easier if a lot longer. Done plenty of long walks but not this length in one do. Would be open to doing it though.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:24 pm

I know some people who did a big canal walk of about 80 miles and wanted to do it in 3 days. They did 30 on the first day and had to abandon the walk, they simply couldn't move the next day.
Unless regular walkers you underestimate how physically demanding it can be.

Wile E Coyote · Post by **Wile E Coyote** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:43 pm

just be mindful that whilst its very scenic and pleasant for great stretches, it also meanders through some right ****pits.
You can usually tell when its a bit dodgy, but be aware.
Sounds like a great adventure though.

Foshiznik · Post by **Foshiznik** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 1:11 pm

Wile E Coyote wrote:just be mindful that whilst its very scenic and pleasant for great stretches, it also meanders through some right ****pits.
You can usually tell when its a bit dodgy, but be aware.
Sounds like a great adventure though.

I'm assuming you are talking about Liverpool and Leeds?

Cirrus_Minor · Post by **Cirrus_Minor** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 1:41 pm

Once cycled it in 2 days. Beware that there is a lot of crossing over bridges and negotiating your way past gates. It is really much more than 127 miles, but good luck.

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 1:47 pm

I swam it once. Piece of p!ss.

Bertiebeehead · Post by **Bertiebeehead** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 2:12 pm

Rileybobs wrote:I swam it once. Piece of p!ss.

More than a piece in that canal.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 10:57 pm

Bertiebeehead wrote:More than a piece in that canal.

A load of my mates jumped in after a mates funeral. As you do

surprised they didnt go the same way. They were covered in weird lumps for weeks

bfccrazy · Post by **bfccrazy** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:45 pm

Quickenthetempo wrote:I know some people who did a big canal walk of about 80 miles and wanted to do it in 3 days. They did 30 on the first day and had to abandon the walk, they simply couldn't move the next day.
Unless regular walkers you underestimate how physically demanding it can be.

We had lads completely broken at the end of the Peak District walk mentioned earlier. One lad had to call his partner to pick him up after the first day as he couldn't keep up to start and then could hardly take a step by the end of the day.

Wear the right footwear and take spare socks/talc and if it rains then take some bin bags to wrap your feet under your socks is the biggest tip I could give anyone wanting to do a long walk.

Just remembered I have a few pics of the lads feet after the Peak District to prepare you for what you're letting yourself in for ..... The claret and blue feet were mine after they laughed at my well worn in walking boots and wrapping binbags over my feet under socks

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:52 pm

Can't wait!

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:52 pm

Ive just been sick in my mouth.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:53 pm

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Ive just been sick in my mouth.

I'll put you down as walk leader.

bfccrazy · Post by **bfccrazy** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:54 pm

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Ive just been sick in my mouth.

You definitely need new walking boots after the "You should have worn proper boots" comment last week

How's the phone?

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:04 am

bfccrazy wrote:You definitely need new walking boots after the "You should have worn proper boots" comment last week

How's the phone?

That was as inevitable as anything thats ever happened to me

bfccrazy · Post by **bfccrazy** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:22 am

cricketfieldclarets wrote:That was as inevitable as anything thats ever happened to me

It was a glorious moment haha.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 8:19 am

I was thinking of doing something similar but then thought of doing stretches of the Welsh coastal walk instead. For instance the Anglesey Island walk is around 90 miles. I could then spend the last 20 minutes of every day in the sea with salt water very good for sorting your feet out.
I once did a 17 mile walk in trainers and feet were in bits. Next day I went to the seaside and walked in the sea, sorted them out straightaway.

Siddo · Post by **Siddo** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 8:28 am

You will be fine Frank. None of the walk could be classed as technical or challenging. The scenery is amazing in places and I have cycled all of it and never had any bother. Everybody is friendly and the improvements made over the years has taken most of the muddy bits out.

The muddiest parts are Altham and between Rishton and Blackburn. Be aware that there are some long stretches without amenities and not that many waterside pubs after Wigan heading towards Leeds.

Late April would be a good time to do it as the days are longer and the weather improving. I would expect to walk around 15 to 20 miles per day and more on good days. 3 miles per hour should be easily doable.

You need to get some miles under your belt though. You can't just turn up and hope to do it. Otherwise you will get Peak District foot!

Please keep us updated. I would join you for a day if you don't mind?

KeighleyClaret · Post by **KeighleyClaret** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:21 pm

Lots of decent pubs along side most canals. Canals came before roads and many of the hostelries are old and with good histories. I'd recommend getting the Nicholsons Guide (North West & the Pennines No. 5) now published as Collins Nicholson Waterways Guides. This lists all the canal side amenities and will indicate possible places to stay as well. Its £16 from Amazon.
Then you just need to decide how far you want to walk each day, and book ahead.
I'm planning a Cycle trip later in the year to raise money for the Presidents Charity at Keighley Golf Club. If you do decide to do the walk, come off at the Golf Club and I'll stand you lunch (and a pint). They you will be fortified for Bingley 5 and 3 rise locks (assuming you are going west to east!)

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:34 pm

I know canals are based on being flat but Leeds is 50m above sea level compared to Liverpool being at Sea level.

Not much over the 127 miles but must be easier to walk down the 50m than up.