The route begins at Lancaster’s Millennium Bridge and crosses Ryelands Park before joining the Lancaster Canal, first opened in 1797 to service the mining industries. The towpath takes you through attractive canal-side villages with panoramic views across Morecambe Bay. At Hest Bank you can take a break on the seashore. Leaving the canal south of Carnforth, the route continues to Warton, home of George Washington’s ancestors, and through quiet wooded lanes within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the pretty villages of Yealand Conyers and Yealand Redmayne. Nearby Leighton Hall and RSPB Leighton Moss both make good stopping-off points.
Just over the border into Cumbria, the marvellous views more than compensate for the climb to the attractive village of Beetham, where you can visit Heron Corn Mill, a Grade II listed water mill built-in 1740. The route continues downhill along a tree-lined lane through Dallam Park and into the market town of Milnthorpe. From there the route undulates along quiet lanes into the medieval market town of Kendal, where a traffic-free path along the line of the old canal takes you safely into the town centre via the footbridge at Gooseholme. Kendal Museum and the Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry are both worth a visit while you’re in Kendal.
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Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.
To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water, please ensure you follow the Towpath Code.