Blackburn to Adlington canal walk (LLC#5)
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This is a linear walk from Blackburn to Adlington along a stretch of the 204km (127.25 miles) Leeds & Liverpool Canal, blending industrial heritage with peaceful countryside.
This is walk stage 5 of 8 spanning the full length of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
As we leave Blackburn, we'll say goodbye to the industrial heritage of East Lancashire as it gives way to open countryside and quiet farmland. Our route passes through a series of stone bridges and old mill buildings that remind us of the canal’s working past. We'll soon find long, uninterrupted stretches beside the water and wide views across the Lancashire hills.
Further along, the canal skirts the edges of Withnell Fold, a historic paper‑mill village, before continuing to Johnson’s Hillock Locks, a flight of seven locks that marks one of the most striking engineering features on this part of the canal.
This is a rewarding linear walk that blends heritage, scenery, and a real sense of journey along one of Britain’s most characterful waterways.
We'll catch a bus or train back to Blackburn (for those that need to return) - the best option will depend on your individual onward travel plans.
Stage 1: Leeds to Bingley - 30 Aug 2025
Stage 2: Bingley to Gargrave - 20 Sep 2025
Stage 3: Gargrave to Burnley - 21st Feb 2026
Stage 4: Burnley to Blackburn - 21st March 2026
Stage 5: Blackburn to Adlington - 11th April 2026
Stage 6: Adlington to Parbold - 9th May 2026
Stage 7: Parbold to Maghull
Stage 8: Maghull to Liverpool
Dogs: No dogs on this leg of the walk due to the length of walk and narrow towpaths which will be busy with cyclists and other walkers.
If the event is fully booked: Please join the wait list as people frequently drop out during the week before an event and you are likely to get a place on the walk.
If this is your first OutdoorLads walk event: If this is your first event, we’ll make sure you feel welcomed. Please check out the My First Event page, and don’t hesitate to drop me a message if you have questions or want to know more about this walk.
Image / photo credits:
- Photo of stocks at Withnell Fold © Copyright David Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0)
- All other images are those of OutdoorLads leaders - with permission for OutdoorLads to use.
What to bring
Water: Bring at least 2 litres if possible. Hot drinks recommended if it's cold and wet.
Medicines: If you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Rucksack: A 20l day backpack or similar. They are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Footwear: Boots recommended, but anything that is sturdy & comfortable. Remember we'll be walking for around 6-7 hours on paved towpaths.
Socks: Proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters.
Layered clothing: Lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid-layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece).
Trousers: Ideally not jeans which become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and easier to dry. On warm days shorts are ok.
Waterproof jacket: Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and drier.
Hat or cap: Hats will keep you warm and protect you from the wind, and give you shade if the sun is shining down on us.
Sunglasses: For any sunny day.
Sun cream: You need to protect your skin from the sun, even on cloudy days.
Snacks: Bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to access.
Lunch: Bring a packed lunch.
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water/juice too, and bring extra if the weather is going to warm.
There’s opportunity before the walk to get snacks from local shops. There's a large Morrisons within a few minutes walk from the station.
There’s no guarantee of access to food and drink along the route.