Cruising to Kendal – Walking the Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal - Part 2 Hincaster – Kendal

A walk along the towpath of the Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal, from Hincaster to Kendal, a total of just over 5 miles. The walk is very different from the first section from Tewitfield to Hincaster. The canal bed is dry, and in places the actual route of the canal cannot be seen. A short diversion takes us over the A590 before a path leading into a cow field reveals no further clues regarding the line of the old canal until we come across a bridge standing alone in the field.

The walk continues through fields and woodland until we reach the village of Sedgwick, with its impressive aqueduct, before heading across more farming country towards Kendal. Once in Kendal, the path heads towards the centre of town, providing a safe, modern alternative for non motorised traffic. The journey ends at the old canal basin, although we are hard pressed to identify any relics of the canal age in the busy industrial environment.

The route on the video is a little over 5 miles, however, if returning to the start point by bus, add on an extra half mile to get from the end of the canal path to the bus station. From the canal path, turn left and walk down Canal Head North road. At the end turn right and cross the road to walk over the footbridge over the river. This is a new structure, with a long ramp at each end to make it useable for wheelchair users ( as well as making it easy for weary walkers!). On the other side of the footbridge, turn left and walk a short distance to a road crossing, then turn right to cross over, keeping the traffic to your right. Continue along until the next junction, then cross with care and continue on to the bus stop. The 555 back to either Tewitfield, or Levens Bridge, uses Stand F, opposite the bus station. Check timetable for details. See https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables, and enter 555 into the search box.

To reach the start point of this section of the walk by 555 bus, alight at Levens Bridge and walk through the Deer Park to the opposite end. Ensure that you enter the deer park to the south of the river, (the one closest to Heversham). There is no viable river crossing upstream of Levens Bridge.

To reach the Lancaster Canal from the main canal network, by boat, you need to use the Ribble Link. For more information see http://www.ribblelink.co.uk/

For more information about the navigable sections of the Lancaster Canal, see https://waterways.org.uk/waterways/di...

For more information about the Lancaster Canal; Trust, see https://lctrust.co.uk/