9k Run Pendle: Scenic Journey Along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 9.2km out-and-back route offers a perfectly flat, fully paved running experience through the heart of Pendle’s industrial heritage. Starting at Long Ing Lane, you will follow the historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath toward the village of Foulridge. With zero elevation gain and a 100% paved surface, this is an ideal course for runners looking to lock into a consistent pace or for those seeking a scenic, low-impact recovery run. The path is well-maintained and wide enough for easy passing, making it a favorite for local athletes during the wetter months when the surrounding fells might be impassable.

Steeped in northern history, this stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was once a vital artery for the region's textile industry. As you run toward Foulridge, you’re approaching the highest point of the canal—the "summit level"—where the water flow is managed by a series of impressive reservoirs. The turnaround point near Foulridge Wharf is home to the famous Foulridge Tunnel, which dates back to 1796. Legend has it that a cow once fell into the canal in the 19th century and swam the entire length of the tunnel before being revived with brandy at a local inn. Today, the area is much quieter, offering a peaceful corridor of greenery and stone architecture that captures the soul of Lancashire.