This is the eighth in a series of eighteen individual trails, which combine to create a coast to coast route for paddlers. As you wind your way from Blackburn at a leisurely pace you will be reminded of the ‘normal’ pace of life with busy roads and railways passing above and beneath you.

The coast to coast route is made up of a series of eighteen trails. It’s designed to be travelled west to east, across the country; the recommended direction of travel considering prevailing wind direction and river flows.

The trails combine the Leeds Liverpool Canal and Aire and Calder Navigations to create a route stretching 162 miles across the north of England. Passing through villages, towns and cities that played a major part in the industrial revolution and textile industries, as well as enjoying the stunning scenery as you travel over the Pennines in Lancashire and Yorkshire.

The Leeds Liverpool Canal and Aire and Calder Navigation offer different paddling experiences. The Leeds Liverpool wanders gently, connecting its two two major namesake cities. It recently celebrated its bicentenary and is enjoyed by boaters and paddlers alike. The Aire and Calder is a commercial waterway, transporting goods and materials between the town of Goole and the city of Leeds. The navigation brings its own challenges, combining canalised navigation and river sections with large locks and high walls.PLEASE NOTE: It’s recommended that only more experienced paddlers or groups of paddlers with experienced coaches or leaders paddle on the river sections of the Aire and Calder Navigation.

Eanam Wharf was not only significant in the industrial development of Blackburn and the surrounding areas, it also has a darker, hidden secret. The wharf site once included a convict cellar, which was used to hold criminals. From here they were sent by barge to the docks in Merseyside before being put on tall ships to Australia. The two stable blocks at the wharf held happier residents – the shire horses of Thwaites Brewery.