Spot what is about to run alongside canals (8)

I believe the answer is:

towpaths

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'run alongside canals' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'spot what is about' is the wordplay.
'is about' indicates an anagram.
'spot'+'what'='spotwhat'
'spotwhat' is an anagram of 'TOWPATHS'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for towpaths that I've seen before include "Tracks along canals for animals pulling boats" , "What spot for the canal walkways" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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