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Start at the southern pedestrian exit of Church Street long-stay car park in Welshpool. Follow the public path to the former light railway footbridge, cross the canal and turn right along the towpath. Pass beneath the Severn Road bridge at the town lock, opposite Y Lanfa museum and library, then keep to the canal-side path heading south.
The route follows the Canal & River Trust Welshpool south trail past the mile markers, sluice and Whitehouse nature reserve. There are views towards Powis Castle in clear weather. Continue past Belan Locks and their nearby lime kilns, then follow the same towpath to Sweeps Bridge, number 122, where the lane crosses the canal. Turn back here and retrace the route to the car park.
Allow about two hours and fifteen minutes for the full return, including brief pauses at the locks and landmarks. This is a mostly level walk on surfaced and compacted towpath, shared with cyclists, with gates and narrow sections near bridges. Keep children away from the open water and take care where Lime Kilns Lane crosses at Belan. Some sections can be muddy or slippery after rain.
Church Street is a council pay-and-display long-stay car park. Check the current parking tariff and signs before leaving your car. Shops, cafes, toilets and the museum are in Welshpool, so take water for the quieter canal section. The current Canal & River Trust notice restricts boat navigation at Belan Locks because of water levels; it does not close the towpath. Check the Trust notices again before travelling and follow any on-site signs. Route basis: Canal & River Trust and Powys County Council Step by Step Welshpool south trail.
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