Huddersfield to Slaithwaite Canal Walk
The Huddersfield to Slaithwaite Canal Walk follows the Huddersfield Narrow Canal through the Colne Valley, offering a peaceful route steeped in industrial heritage. Starting in Huddersfield, the path begins near the historic Huddersfield Broad Canal basin and quickly joins the narrower waterway that once played a key role in the town’s industrial success. The Huddersfield Narrow Canal was completed in 1811 and became an important transport link across the Pennines, carrying goods such as wool, coal, and limestone.
As you leave the town, the canal path passes through a series of restored locks, stone bridges, and surviving mills, many of which have been converted into housing or office spaces. The canal itself was fully restored in the early 2000s after years of disuse and now provides a continuous towpath route that is popular with walkers and cyclists. The walk is a good opportunity to appreciate the blend of old industrial structures alongside modern redevelopment.
The path is generally flat and easy to follow, passing smaller communities like Milnsbridge and Linthwaite, where more signs of the area's textile past can be seen in the form of stone-built factories and weavers' cottages.
Approaching Slaithwaite, the canal passes beneath viaducts and through a more open landscape. The village of Slaithwaite has a strong canal heritage, with the waterway running through its centre. Here, walkers can see how the canal has been carefully restored, with working locks and waterside seating areas providing a pleasant place to pause. The village has independent shops and cafes, and its continued connection to the canal is celebrated in local events. The walk from Huddersfield to Slaithwaite is about 3.3 miles and offers a fascinating combination of history, industrial architecture, and scenic valley views.
Huddersfield to Slaithwaite Canal Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
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Huddersfield to Slaithwaite Canal Walk Open Street Map 
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Huddersfield to Slaithwaite Canal Walk OS Map 
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Huddersfield to Slaithwaite Canal Walk Open Street Map 
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Huddersfield Narrow Canal at Linthwaite
Huddersfield narrow canal at Slaithwaite