leeds liverpool canal tyres

I'm off to Liverpool tomoz to cycle the canal route back to Leeds, over the weekend. I've gone back to my old Specialized Crossroads tyres (1.95), a bit heavy but pretty bomb-proof; expecting mix of gravel, pavement, concrete, tarmac and a few little grassy sections, so pumped up high the central ridge gives really low rolling resistance. Deflated a bit the side walls give enough grip. Not expecting much muddy or boggy stuff to go through so my focus was on least possible rolling resistance.
I'd think you are fine on a set of Marathon plusses

I've just Googled Schwalbe Marathon plus. Dunno about the other side of the Pennines, but you'll be fine on those this side.

Back from this weekend ride on the Liverpool-Leeds. We did it in 2 days, Liverpool to Accrington = 68 miles, Accrington - Leeds = 64 miles. Having never attempted a long ride like this before my whole body is aching and my right knee is shot, but a great feeling of achievement.
I used my old Specialized Crossroads tyres (1.95), they were fine - really good for the long fast sections of tarmac and hard dry path, but less good for the slippery grassy rutted sections encountered. On these sections I'd not be happy on anything less than 1.95's. Our group was inundated by puctures on the first 30 miles from Liverpool (14 punctures), it was a nightmare. I was one of only 2 of us not to suffer a puncture.
Seems they have been trimming all the hawthorn hedges along the canal banks and you have no choice but to pick up a few thorns en-route. This really slowed up progress on the first damp morning. After lunch at Burscough things cleared up a bit.
The hardest slog was on the damp grass sections which seemed to be exposed to headwinds, theres a few exposed 2 or 3 mile sections on both days where you'd benefit from a wider knobbly tyre, but the majority of the route is well paved and well maintained; a low rollong resistance tyre cruises along with ease and you can get a bit of energy back for the more rutted sections later.

first day took 9.5 hours with all the punctures and lunch/coffee stops. Day 2 took about 7.5 hours, weather kinder and only one puncture between us all day Its a really great route, very diverse urban/industrial/rural surroundings, and only 2 offensive dog owners with evil scowling faces, most people out for a walk or other cyclists are happy to share the trail as long as you dont sneak up on people without ringing your bells, or thunder along past families with kids on the loose

There's about 1 mile on road, the rest is entirely canal paths. The tunnel section on day 2 at Hey, which also marks the highest elevation of the ride, you have to leave the canal and join a narrow country road for a short stretch to a rather nice cafe stop, then it's back on the tow path again towards Barnoldswick.
http://app.strava.com/activities/53821427

Thanks guys I am based in Sheffield about 5 mins from Rother Valley Country Park. Which is the place that has got me going with the route from there through to Chesterfield.