A
towpath is a
road or
trail on the bank of a
river,
canal, or other inland waterway. The purpose of a towpath is to allow a land
vehicle, beasts of burden, or a team of human pullers to tow a
boat, often a
barge. This mode of transport was common where
sailing was impractical due to tunnels and bridges, unfavourable
winds, or the narrowness of the channel.