12k Run Barnoldswick: Scenic Journey along the Canal

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 11.8km out-and-back route offers a pancake-flat running experience through the heart of Pendle, making it an ideal choice for runners looking to maintain a steady tempo or clear their head without tackling the local fells. Starting from Long Ing Lane in Barnoldswick, you’ll follow the historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath north toward East Marton. The terrain is a reliable mix of paved sections and well-trodden gravel, providing a forgiving surface that remains accessible year-round. With only 10 meters of total ascent, this course allows you to focus purely on your stride while enjoying the quiet rhythm of the water and the occasional passing narrowboat.

Barnoldswick, or 'Barlick' as it’s known to locals, sits uniquely on the border of Lancashire and Yorkshire, a heritage reflected in the stone architecture and industrial character of the surrounding area. As you run toward the iconic double-arched bridge at East Marton, you are retracing a vital piece of northern England’s industrial history. This section of the canal is famed for its "Three Rise" locks and the tranquil greenery of the Pendle countryside. While the climb-heavy Pendle Hill looms in the distance, this valley-bottom route offers a peaceful, sheltered alternative that showcases the pastoral beauty of the Ribble Valley and the enduring charm of the canal network.