A. This trail begins at Garstang, once the most important market town in Lancashire. Put in from the start point and turn left, leaving the town and heading north.

B.  Immediately passing under the A6 road, the canal enters delightful countryside as it winds its way north past Nateby Hall and on to Cabus and Winmarleigh.

C. Although the countryside is quiet and agreeable, with the hills of Bleasdale Fell easily visible in the east, the canal is never far away from the A6 road and the main rail link to Glasgow.

D.  After passing over the River Cocker aqueduct the canal passes through the beautiful tree lined Ellel Grange private estate. The bridge that carries the estate’s driveway over the canal is an ornamental bridge, designed by John Rennie.

E. This is followed by another unusual bridge called Double Bridge which carries two roadways across the navigation divided by a central wall which marks the boundary of the estate.

F. At the end of the cutting the Glasson Dock branch and top lock can be seen. Built in 1826 it was in part an effort to revive the falling trade of the port of Lancaster. It joins the estuary of the River Lune and is the subject of another trail which should only be taken on by experienced paddlers.

G. Galgate is a busy little village with a marina sitting on the A6 road and close to J33 of the M6 motorway. There is a craft centre which includes an excellent café where canoes can be moored so refreshments can be purchased.

H. Next door is the Ellel Village Hall, where the canal can be egressed down some steps on the right hand bank by some permanent moorings.

I. Passing over the River Condor and by a housing estate you again enter pleasant undulating country, with the canal sitting on top of an embankment.

J.  Past New Park bridge no.89 there are several picnic benches placed on the tow path for the use of walkers or boaters so there are plenty of place to stop and picnic on a warm summer's day.

K.  After bridge no.90 an unusually long wooded cutting at Burrow Heights is entered It’s difficult to imagine the canal is man made as the woodland encroaches the water. In November the autumnal colours of the foliage are absolutely magnificent.

L. At the end of the cutting pass under Ashton Lane Bridge. It is then only a short distance to the large lay-by on Aldcliffe Road, where the road runs next to the canal and your final egress point.