Waterways 2: Our Local Stretch of the Lancaster Canal

Some of you who have been following this blog for a while may have gathered that I love canals.

I love the majestic settings of the these waterways in my home country of Scotland.  I have enjoyed exploring the the canals of Amsterdam, Venice, Paris and London.  I’ve sailed the length of that Wonder of the Ancient World, the Corinth Canal. I’ve even zipped along the Klongs of Bangkok on a long-tail boat.

Wherever I go, town or countryside, I am always thrilled to see canals, their boats and bridges as well as  the people (or wildlife) living alongside.

I am so lucky that where we live in North West England we have easy access to a beautiful stretch of the Lancaster Canal. We were there today – Nordic Walking of all things! – and yesterday for a leisurely stroll along the towpath.  Today we passed a fisherman, yesterday we were overtaken by a jogger and, apart from that, the only people we saw were those lucky enough to be sailing past on narrowboats or (very) small cruisers.

The Canal & River Trust website has this to say:

There are plenty of reasons to visit the Lancaster Canal.

Linking Preston to Kendal, the Lancaster Canal is one of the country’s few coastal canals. Built along the natural lie of the land it offers 41 miles of lock free cruising – the longest stretch in the country. As the canal is naturally level, it also lends itself to gentle walking and cycling as well as canoeing and other outdoor pursuits.

In addition to providing spectacular views of the Silverdale Coast, Forest of Bowland and Wyre countryside, the Lancaster Canal also features some of the most impressive canal architecture in the country. The Lune Aqueduct, which has recently benefited from a £2.4 million transformation, is one of John Rennie’s finest works and not to be missed.

The pictures in this post were all taken on iPhone yesterday. I hope they give you some idea of why I love our local stretch of the Lancaster Canal.

(There’s a good wiki page about The Lancaster Canal here)

 

Repairs to Canal Bank Lancaster Canal

Repairs to Canal Bank ©HelenBushe 

 

Canalside House with Buddha Pendle Marina

Canalside Cottage with Buddha ©HelenBushe 

 

Slow Down Bridge 32 Lancaster canal

Slow Down At Bridge 32 ©HelenBushe 

 

Canalside Gate Lancaster canal

Canalside Back Gate ©HelenBushe 

 

Canalside House with Flag Lancaster Canal Lancashire

Canalside House with Flag ©HelenBushe

 

We are Sailing waterway Lancaster canal

We are Sailing ©HelenBushe 

 

A Cow and a Tree

Some Cows and a Tree ©HelenBushe


10 Comments

HMB · 16 August 2016 at 21:17

Thanks Leah. I’m pleased you “get” my passion for canals.

Leah · 16 August 2016 at 20:13

Kudos to those who put so much effort into maintaining the beautiful canals and the walkways. Kudos to you, also, for reminding people of their beauty and historic significance.

Laurie Graves · 15 August 2016 at 18:38

I want a boat ride on that canal!

    HMB · 15 August 2016 at 18:51

    And when you do I’ll be on the towpath taking your picture for a blog!

      Laurie Graves · 15 August 2016 at 19:02

      It’s a deal!

        HMB · 15 August 2016 at 19:06

Amy · 14 August 2016 at 20:26

I so enjoy the canal tour. You captured many beautiful scenes! 🙂

    HMB · 14 August 2016 at 21:00

    Thanks Amy. I’m so lucky it’s only a few minutes away,

Emilio Pasquale · 13 August 2016 at 21:06

These are all great. But I especially like the textures on the canalside cottage.

    HMB · 13 August 2016 at 21:20

    Thanks Emilio

I'm always pleased to read comments.....

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