The Leeds and Liverpool Canal

#europeonbudget The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a canal in Northern England, linking the cities of Leeds and Liverpool. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal Act 1770 was passed in May 1770 authorising construction, and James Brindley was appointed chief engineer and John Longbotham clerk of works; following Brindley's death in 1772, Longbotham carried out both roles. Work was carried out in a number of phases and from Liverpool it had reached Wigan by 1781, replacing the earlier and unsatisfactory Douglas Navigation. The main line of the canal was not completed until 1816. A great asset to the town, walking with or without dog or cycling. A lot of the towpath is paved now from Martland Mill through to Top Lock. Leigh branch goes out from the base of the Wigan Flight out through the flashes if you prefer to stay relatively level. Lots of access points so you can drop onto the canalside and do it in smaller sections if preferred. Address: Wallgate, Wigan WN1 1JU, United Kingdom