Richard from DC on 7/27/2019 1:09:03 PM:
The towpath is closed between Pennyfield Lock and Swains Lock because of storm damage. I was out there this morning, July 27. The signs gave no indication of when it will reopen. The only bypass that I know of is River Road. It is a high speed road with a 40 mph speed limit (most go faster) with a moderate shoulder. There is a lot of bike traffic on it normally, and regular drivers tend to look out for bikes. Still, it's not totally safe. In addition, it has several steep hills no matter which way you are travelling. Those add about thirty minutes to what otherwise would be a twenty minute segment.