A. Park in the free car park on Station Road, Rufford, between the railway station and the bridge over the River Douglas on the B5246.

B. Approach the river over a stile on a public footpath by the road bridge. The easiest access is approximately 50 metres along the path (see WhatThreeWords) . As the river sits in a fairly deep cutting it looks tiny so take care getting in as if the weather has been wet it can be quite muddy. 

C. Turn left and follow the gentle flow to the north under the road bridge. It is easy paddling through flat countryside past some wind turbines toward Sollum eventually approaching Strand Bridge. 

D. Continue on down the new watercourse which was cut to make the river navigable as far as Wigan. A little more than 30 minutes before high tide which is approximately 2 hours after Liverpool the current will change direction and the water will slowly rise. During a spring tide this may be as much as 4 metres but on a neap tide it may be as little as 30 centimetres.

E. As you approach Tarleton you pass under the A59 road bridge near Bank Hall, a house hidden in the trees. Here the river broadens out significantly and runs alongside the canal. 

F. It is now only a short distance until you reach the gates of Tarleton Lock, on the river left. If you have timed it correctly and arrive at high tide there is an easy get out about 50 metres before the lock gates. If you got it wrong, in order to avoid trudging through a slick of thick black mud, get out by the lock gate up a steep and rocky embankment, which will mean pulling the boats up on ropes.

G. Stop for a break or lunch here next to the lock. There is a small canal settlement of friendly people with a boatyard on the opposite bank. Access the canal through a gap between the eclectic array of narrow boats and sea going craft. 

H. Paddle past the old boatyard with its dry dock towards the first swing bridge. This is padlocked, so cannot be opened, but an easy and quite enjoyable alternative is to limbo under it or portage around it. We would advise you consider the craft you are in, the water levels and the potential need to portage. If you do go under these bridges please look out for any nuts and bolts protruding below the bridge. 

I. Paddle on and pass under the A59 road and out into the open countryside. There is no towpath and the canal is quite overgrown in places due to its lack of use, which adds to the peace and solitude. 

J. Head back towards Sollom and finally Rufford, limbering under 2 further swing bridges. 

K. As you approach Rufford the busy A59 runs alongside the canal until the Old Hall appears on the right, a lovely mediaeval timber-framed mansion owned by the National Trust, with Jacobean extensions situated on the west bank of the canal. The interior is magnificently decorated and furnished in period style, especially the great hall. It’s definitely worth a visit.

L. The finish is at the next road bridge (Chapel Bridge No 7, just before Rufford Marina) a few hundred yards down the canal. Once off the canal walk up to the road and turn left; the car park is 150 metres down the road on the right.