The Towpath reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
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Towpath

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A towpath is a road or track that runs alongside the banks 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 before efficient engines could be fitted on boats and where sailing was impossible due to rapid current or unfavourable winds.