The beauty of this challenge is that the route is very well documented , with detailed information to help you plan . Yet , as far as I am aware , at the time of writing , only 12 people have crossed it in full in one trip . More have climbed Everest or swum the Channel !
The beauty of this challenge is that the route is very well documented , with detailed information to help you plan . Yet , as far as I am aware , at the time of writing , only 12 people have crossed it in full in one trip . More have climbed Everest or swum the Channel !
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is the longest canal in Britain . It took over 50 years to build and was completed in 1816 . In its heyday , millions of tonnes of coal were transported on barges , and it was very significant in the development of the cotton and weaving industries . There are 91 locks between Liverpool and Leeds and several more from Leeds to Goole , so you will get very good at portaging ( carrying ) your boards !
This includes the 21 locks at Wigan Flight and the world-famous Bingley Five Rise , the steepest staircase locks . There are two tunnels to navigate : Gannow Tunnel ( 559 yards / 540m ) and the mile long , Foulridge Tunnel , close to the border between Lancashire and Yorkshire , which works on a traffic light system .
The canal runs through both industrial and very rural areas , giving you lots of variety to enjoy . It is also near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Saltaire Village and the stunning architecture of Salts Mill .
Leisure and wellbeing Nowadays , the canal is very much a place for leisure and wellbeing . You can hire narrowboats in Skipton , immerse yourself in the history of Wigan Pier , spot kingfishers , walk or cycle along the towpath , visit the highest point on the canal at Greenberfield Locks , swim in Leeds Dock or have a meal on the Leeds City Centre Waterfront . Nearby is the Holdfast narrowboat bookshop , and an ice cream boat is in Skipton Basin .
Waterways License The Canal and River Trust manages the canal , and you will need a Waterways License , which is part of your Paddle UK ( formerly British Canoeing ) membership . Part of the license fee is reinvested back into the care of the canal structure and tackling INNS ( invasive non-native species ), which can impede your paddling . Go to www . canalrivertrust . org . uk and www . paddleuk . org for more information .
Life changing Paddleboarding coast-to-coast changed my life back in 2019 , and it was one of the reasons I went on to write my two books about beautiful places to SUP , launch a podcast , and make a film about the trip called ‘ Brave Enough – A Journey Home to Joy ’ with Frit Tam of Frit Films . The route is included in my first book , Stand Up Paddleboarding in Great Britain .
However , I didn ’ t just want you to take my word for it , so I invited paddlers who have completed the challenge to share their tips and memories with you . Thank you , Jason , Gee , Daisy , Julie , Lucy , Sarah , Sara , Anthony , Chuck , Mel , and Michelle , for your experience and generosity .
How long does it take to paddleboard coast to coast ? Usually , it takes about 10-14 days , depending on how many rest days you include . That said , Anthony , 33 , and Chuck , who were raising money for Suicide Prevention UK , completed it in under 100 hours , sleeping by the canal side in January 2024 . Gee , the youngest amongst us at 28 , also powered across in just five days as part of her demanding English trails coast-to-coast adventure triathlon ( SUP , cycle , and run ).
What ’ s the best way to train ? For most of us , training for the distance was important to prevent injury and increase enjoyment . Long ‘ tedious ’ paddles on a local waterpark helped physio Julie , 55 . Sarah , 54 , lifted weights and did strength and conditioning exercises at the gym . Lucy , 55 , a former physio , swapped to a standing desk at work to build up her postural stamina . Her legs never felt tired on the route ! Jason worked with a PT for some heavy kettlebell work and , along with Sara , 58 , emphasised the importance of using your core and legs to power your paddle . Daisy made long trips near her home