Lancaster Canal

Short Introduction to the Lancaster Canal: A delightful navigation linking the fringes of the Lake District with the main canal network. This canal currently presents 41 miles of lock free cruising through quiet scenic areas of mountain and coastal plain. Entry to the canal is through a tideway section of the river Ribble at the Rufford branch of the Leeds and Liverpool canal. It’s well worth negotiating this tricky section to reach this scenic and relaxing waterway. Construction began in 1797 and opened to navigation in 1819. Engineer John Rennie designed a contour canal linking Kendal to Preston with a wide navigation that provided an express lock free route for transportation of Coal, Limestone, Slate, Timber and food products. The last commercial coal barge ceased in 1947 and the canal was abandoned in 1955 above Tewitfield. There is a magnificent aqueduct designed by Rennie where the canal crosses over the river Lune at Lancaster.