It might be hard to believe now but, in the early days, walking along canal towpaths was not encouraged and cycling was actually prohibited.
walking and cycling were certainly not encouraged.
Sign still visible by the locks at Carreghofa.
Today, the canals and towpaths are declared a ‘Shared Space’ for the benefit of walkers, cyclists, anglers and boaters alike.
At Llanymynech, the path forms part of Wat’s Dyke Way and Offa’s Dyke Way. At its southern end, it is part of the Shropshire Way and the Severn Way.
The entire 34 miles of the Montgomery Canal is open to walkers, although in some places, particularly from Pant to Crickheath Bridge (in Shropshire), the towpath is in poor condition and not suitable for cycling or wheelchairs. However, the section south of Crickheath Bridge is currently being upgraded – and we need your help to restore the whole canal towpath to a beautiful linear path accessible to everyone who wants to experience the tranquillity of the Monty.
The towpath from Newtown to Welshpool is now part of SUSTRANS route 81. This is a national charity formed to promote walking, cycling and public transport.
To enhance everyone’s enjoyment and safety CRT has produced a Towpath Code:
- Share the space – towpaths are popular places to be enjoyed by everyone. Please be mindful of others, keep dogs under control, and clean up after them.
- Drop your pace – pedestrians have priority on our towpaths, so cyclists need to be ready to slow down; if you are in a hurry, consider using an alternative route for your journey
- It’s a special place – our waterways are living history, with boats, working locks and low bridges so please give way to waterway users and be extra careful where visibility is limited.
