Lancaster Canal is one of the most beautiful waterways in Britain. It winds through Lancaster east of the centre, passing several pleasant canalside pubs and restaurants as it goes.

Follow the towpath north and you will soon come to the famous Lancaster Aqueduct where the canal crosses high over the River Lune with views south over the city and north over verdant farmland.

Follow the towpath south from the city centre and within minutes you are in lovely peaceful countryside. It's a lovely walk, with flat easy going and popular with local joggers when the weather is nice.

If you're a strong walker you can make a day of it, following the canal to Galgate (6 miles) where you can get lunch and a bus back or if you're up to it you can take the right canal fork on to Glasson Dock, returning by the shorter estuary path that commences behind the Stork Hotel and follows the bank of the River Lune. But even the shortest of strolls takes you almost immediately into another world of overarching trees and peaceful water.

The canal teems with wildlife, and Lancaster children save their breadcrumbs for the ducklings and cygnets who are very tame and come in their dozens at the sight of a free meal!

The canal towpath through the city is now a popular cycle route. Going south out of Lancaster toward Galgate and Glasson you can soon get into mud however once the surfaced section ends (the softer going is more attractive to joggers and runners). However northbound makes a fabulous ride - over the aqueduct past Beaumont and out to the sea at Hest Bank, passing narrowboat moorings and on beyond to Carnforth. Or you can turn off onto the Lune cyclepath out through Halton and Caton along the riverside.

See Lancaster Canal Trust
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancaster_Canal

Lancaster Canal Packet Boats Waterbus Service
& Canal Cruises

Unit 10 Victoria Court, Penny Street, Lancaster, LA1 1XN
Tel: 01524 389410
1. Carnforth to Lancaster Waterbus
A leisurely sail between Carnforth and Lancaster, through Bolton-le-Sands and Hest Bank. Leaves Carnforth at 09.30am, two hour break in Lancaster arrive back in Carnforth at 17.30pm. You can board and depart at any of the stops also.
2. Lune Aqueduct Cruise
Lunch-time sailing from opposite Lancaster's Waterwitch Inn to the famous Lune Aqueduct.
3.Carnforth to Tewitfield Country Cruise
A peaceful cruise through beautiful countryside to Tewitfield, where there is the option of lunch at The Longlands Hotel or a walk and picnic, before travelling back to Carnforth.
2007 Special Cruises: Valentine's Dinner Cruises, Mother's Day Cruises, Quiz Night Cruises with Fish & Chip Suppers and Garstang Country Cruises.
To book tel: 01524 389410, or book on-line.
Group bookings can be made for any part of any of the cruises, on any available date, and catering for groups can be arranged if booked in advance. The boats are also available for Private Hire, with a wide range of options available.
Please contact us for timetables and further information, or to request a leaflet.

Canal boat trips on the traditional packet boat
Waterwitch, from Crooklands Bridge (B6385), 5 miles S of Kendal. Sundays in the Summer, 11am free, donations accepted, tel: 01524 781489.
See Lancaster Canal Trust

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