GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Marsden to Slaithwaite Canal Walk

3 miles (5 km)

This easy walk takes you along a lovely section of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal from Marsden to Slaithwaite. The route runs for a distance of about 3 miles, running along the flat towpath so perfect for an afternoon stroll. On the way you'll pass a number of pretty locks, canal barges, historic mills, weirs and canalside pubs where you can stop for a bite to eat.
The walk starts in Marsden train station which is located right next to the canal. The route then follows the towpath east, passing the old mills and reservoirs at Park Gate. You continue past Lingards Wood and Waring Bridge, before coming into Slaithwaite. Here you will pass a series of old mills and weirs, before finishing near the town centre and train station. You can extend the walk by continuing east into Huddersfield itself.

Marsden to Slaithwaite Canal Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Marsden to Slaithwaite Canal Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

At the end of the walk there's lots of good options for refreshments in Slaithwaite. We recommend The Little Bridge which has a delightful outdoor terrace overlooking the canal. There's also a great menu and a cosy fire indoors on colder days. You can find the pub next to the canal on Britannia Road with a postcode of HD7 5HF for your sat navs.
In Marsden there's the noteworthy Riverhead Brewery Tap to visit. It does good food and is an excellent place for real ale connsiseurs. On the ground floor in the bar, there are 10 real ale hand pumps several of which are permanently dedicated to the popular Riverhead beers brewed on-site. The famous Riverhead micro-brewery is housed downstairs in the cellar. Here they brew a wide range of beers all with a local connection. Hot and cold food is served regularly with all dishes freshly prepared on site. You can find the pub in the picturesque village, next to the River Colne, on Peel Street with a postcode of HD7 6BR for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Near the end of the walk in Slaithwaite you could extend your exercise by heading north west to visit Scammonden Reservoir and Deanhead Reservoir where there's some pleasant waterside paths.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Marsden - geograph.org.uk - 1233704

Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Marsden Looking northeast towards lock 39D from where Marsden Lane goes over the canal.

Huddersfield Canal at Booth, Marsden - geograph.org.uk - 2207

Huddersfield Canal at Booth, Marsden. Looking east along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal from Booth Bridge, between Marsden and Slaithwaite.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal, between Marsden and Slaithwaite (3276571463)

Series of locks between Marsden and Slaithwaite

Pig Tail Lock, Huddersfield Canal, Marsden - geograph.org.uk - 2185

Pig Tail Lock, Huddersfield Canal, Marsden. Lock 32e of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal near Marsden, known as Pig Tail Lock, is the bottom of the Marsden flight of locks.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Slaithwaite (10075536326)

Canal Barge Slaithwaite

Canal at Slaithwaite - geograph.org.uk - 882606

Canal at Slaithwaite. The single storey mill to the left is what is left of No 1 Mill of the Slaithwaite Spinning Co built in 1877 and the top mill is Globe Mill.

Huddersfield Canal, Slaithwaite - geograph.org.uk - 165031

Coming into Slaithwaite

Huddersfield Canal at Slaithwaite - geograph.org.uk - 2191

Looking west along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal from Lock 21e at Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire. This section of canal had been filled in but was restored and re-opened in 2001

GPS Files

GPX File

Marsden to Slaithwaite Canal Walk.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Marsden to Slaithwaite Canal Walk.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)