Slaithwaite Canal 5

This is a dead-flat 5.0 km out-and-back along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath. You’ll head out from Slaithwaite for 2.5 km to a turnaround point at Locks 13E, then return along the same path. The 21 metres of total ascent is unnoticeable, making it a good route for a tempo effort or any run where you want to hold a consistent and predictable pace without thinking about navigation.

The surface is entirely paved, so standard road shoes are the obvious choice. Most of the towpath is smooth tarmac, but you will come across some older stone-paved sections which can be uneven underfoot, so watch your footing there, particularly in wet conditions. It’s a shared-use path; expect to pass walkers and cyclists, and be aware that the path narrows around the historic locks you'll pass.

Your view is consistent throughout: the canal water on one side, with a mix of greenery and old industrial buildings on the other. The route is simple and logical, taking you past a series of locks before you turn around and retrace your steps. Seeing the same landmarks in reverse on the way back can be useful for gauging your effort on the return leg.