Lancaster Canal – Tewitfield to Lune Aqueduct Paddle Trail

Lancaster Canal – Tewitfield to Lune Aqueduct Paddle Trail

2.5-5 hours
Duration
10.5 miles
Distance
One Way
Easy
Difficulty
LA6 1JH
Start Postcode
LA1 3PE
End Postcode
A. Put in at the marina and paddle out onto the Lancaster Canal, turning left towards Lancaster. You will soon pass under a small road bridge and out into open countryside.

B. At just over 0.5 miles pass the pretty village of Borwick, Borwick Hall overlooking the canal. Paddling on, the rolling countryside is delightfully backed by the foothills of the Southern Lake District.

C. As you pass through Capenwray cross a tiny aqueduct over the River Keer, with a lovely view of an impressive railway viaduct.

D. After another 1.5 miles of rolling countryside the navigation passes under the M6 and is diverted down a new channel alongside the motorway and under the spur of Junction 35.

E. Between the M6 and Carnforth you pass several abandoned quarries and a holiday village as you follow the A6. There are several access points through Carnforth and Bolton-le-Sands.

F. Enjoy occasional views across Morecambe Bay until Hest Bank is reached, here the canal departs the road and virtually runs onto sea shore before turning east behind Morecambe Golf Course.

G. Pass beneath the A683 at 9.2 miles, then the A6 0.5 miles further before passing over the magnificent Lune Aqueduct. On the right before the aqueduct there is a footpath down to the river if you would like a closer look.

H. After paddling over the aqueduct get out to your right on the towpath and walk down an access path, by the side of an industrial park, back to your car.

Discover More

The Lancaster Canal has a 42.5 mile navigable pond, the longest in the country. The canal originally extended as far north as Kendal, but the M6 severed the link 15.5 miles south at Tewitfield.

Paddle along the delightful Lancaster Canal and be rewarded with panoramic views of the coast and sands of Morecambe Bay.

The Lune Aqueduct was completed in 1800 and was recently renovated. It carries the Lancaster Canal an impressive 664 ft over the River Lune. It was designed by John Rennie and bears two inscriptions: ‘To public prosperity’ and a Latin one translated to ‘Old needs served, far distant sites combined. Rivers by art to bring new wealth are joined.’

Borwick Hall is an Elizabethan manor house, with extensive gardens, used by Lancashire County Council as an outdoor activity centre. The village of Warton, 2 miles away, was the home of Lawrence Washington, an early ancestor of George Washington. The family crest, which apparently inspired the famous stars and stripes, can be found in St. Oswald’s church.

Further information can be found on the following websites:

Licence Information

The waterways in this trail are managed by the Canal & River Trust, and it is a requirement for paddlers to hold a licence. Paddle UK’s On The Water membership includes an annual licence for here as well as other waterways.

When paddling, have your membership card with you as proof of licence; otherwise, you could face a fine. Get your digital membership card straight away with your licence and liability insurance included from www.paddleuk.org.uk.

JOIN PADDLE UK

Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Water Safety

Navigation eLearning

Tides eLearning

Weather eLearning

 

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.

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