This route is a shorter and easier option than Chucla one, as there is negligible height difference; most of the route is flat, along the canal towpath. At any time of the year it will be drier and less muddy than Chucla one, although there are frequently puddles on the towpath, and in winter there may be short muddy stretches. The surface is generally better too, and there is no difficult road crossing....

JohnDavis13

My advice is to walk 40 yards left along the edge of the road until opposite the end of the Armco barrier, and cross there....

JohnDavis13

I would also extend the footpath section along the back of Willow Close to Chapel Street instead of using Cross Street....

greengibbo77

Probably the best offroad route between the towns, I used it for many years walking to work. Consider a small divert at the Clayton end to take a look at the Mercer Park and All Saints Church if you have time....

WalkinGobbiner

This route is so inaccurately plotted, particularly where it leaves Hapton Station, crosses the A6068, and accesses the canal towpath, that it is unusable! I have replotted it as ClaHap Two, and walked it....

Mary Oz

Steps lead down from the small gap in the hedge to a rather overgrown footpath, and over a stile and farm bridge to eventually reach the canal towpath. ClaHap Three offers a safe way to access the towpath and avoids the busy road, with a 4.1 mile route rather than this 3.8 mile route....

Mary Oz

I have previously walked the road from Hapton Station, and accessed the canal towpath to walk westwards, but I have not walked the towpath between SD 78469 32102 and SD 79392 32060 which makes up 20% of the route....

Mary Oz

After passing a field with some stables, the OS Map shows a footpath off to the left, but this doesn’t exist, and it is necessary to continue up to the top by the pylons, where a footpath sign points into a field. After passing another lovely old house (dated 1758) the route takes a sharp left turn into a gravelled path with a bollard in the middle of it. This path was a bit wet and muddy but it was a nice route to bring you out at the canal bridge....

Mary Oz

The path continues, crossing a narrow wooden bridge (also muddy at the time) then crosses open grazing land....

Mary Oz

From Church, the canal towpath is accessed via a quiet road and linking footpath....

Mary Oz

Then some fenced in cycle track, rough road, and rubbish-strewn footpath, before a nicer footpath with a view down into Accrington… followed by more main tedious main road walking. Functional at best....

Mary Oz

The first half of the route from Clayton-le-Moors is canal towpath (accessed via a cycle barrier) and an uphill footpath....

Mary Oz

After crossing the urban greenway there is a short stretch of very run-down industrial zone, followed by a longer section which is better maintained....

Mary Oz

After passing a field with some stables, the OS Map shows a footpath off to the left, but this doesn’t exist, and it is necessary to continue up to the top by the pylons, where a footpath sign points into a field. After passing another lovely old house (dated 1758) the route takes a sharp left turn into a gravelled path with a bollard in the middle of it. This path was a bit wet and muddy but it was a nice route to bring you out at the canal bridge....

Mary Oz