The Northern Reaches,from Tewitfield Locks to Kendal.For full information see: http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
The present navigable end of the canal at Tewitfield,blocked by the A6070 trunk road being built across the canal's course...
The End of the Line....presently;for navigation here at Tewitfield....But a great walk-starting at the fenced path up the locks to Kendal 15 miles Plans are in hand for a tunnel here under the A6070,see: http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
Tewitfield locks,Cinderbarrow Culvert,Burton to New Mill
I set off up the locks towards Kendal prepared to walk or carry the bike in places(nothing unusual!)
This is the culvert connecting the sections together supplying water below the A6070.Wouldn't some forethought and a proper bridge been easier and better? http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
Aerial view of Tewitfield lower locks and the A6070
pool of lock 8,the first(bottom)lock of the flight at Tewitfield
Lock 8,Tewitfield
Pool of lock 8,Tewitfield
looking up the pool to lock 7 Tewitfield
looking down over lock 7 to 8 these locks are now under restoration,see: http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
The pool lock 6 - 7 is like a trout stream, the water is gin clear and flowing gently
Tewitfield locks,aerial view.
The pool below lock 6 -just around the bend
Lock 6 at Tewitfield
lock 5 Tewitfield
from link bridge
lock 4,Tewitfield
lock 3
lock 2
The water quality is very good
These lock gates are on display near the summit
Gates on display with plaques near top
The top of the lock flight,and culverts under the M6.Pedestrians can cross over the Cinderbarrow lane bridge
The culverts on the East side of the M6 at Cinderbarrow
Culverts at Cinderbarrow East of M6
Figurative map,Cinderbarrow northwards; courtesy of Lancaster Canal Trust C) 2008 http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
Aerial view NNW from Cinderbarrow culverts
The channel northwards above Cinderbarrow culvert under the M6.Oh if only it had been a proper lock revision and a tunnel in the 1960s ! This can be remedied... http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
The Cinderbarrow upstream western culverts had recently been de-weeded to remedy or avoid blockage causing flooding
Beautiful view over south Lakeland from canal towpath,main Railway line beside here. This is the border of Lancashire with Cumbria.
Yealand to Moss by the railway
What a splendid view of South Cumbria, from canal towpath
Burton Wharf
It is already SO peaceful and picturesque here... alone with nature...
What a landscape... Moss bridge ahead
Map provided on towpath near Burton in Kendal, giving info on flowers and fauna
There is a village below....
A village with an INN
Lancashire Border with Cumbria
Turning NW with the contour, towards Burton direction
Buildings of Station Road,Holme
Cottages on outskirts of Holme,from Shearmeat Lane bridge
After Holme(bottom left)the canal turns sharply NE. Here the M6(only slightly higher than canal level)was allowed to sever the waterway;all but for a culvert for water flow coming over from Farleton side.
Well,The M6 has chopped through our canal thoughtlessly again! Spinney Culvert.
Once over the M6,looking lke a canal again Dukes bridge 155
Spinney culvert
Holme and Farleton
The canal meanders past Farleton below the Giant fell of limestone towering above everything for miles around
Culverted under the offending M6 again Spinney culvert.To get across the M6 I had to chuck the bike over fences,go across fields to a road bridge....
Near Farleton - East side of M6
Near Farleton - dramatic scenery here... That hill is solid limestone,it has and still is being extensively quarried.There is not much soil for growth,thus the bald appearance.The water is beautifully clear here,note the reflection...
Bridge 156 Farleton Turnpike ahead
Just SO beautiful here... 157 Hodgsons
North of Farleton running north towards another waterway interruption due to a road the A590/A65... The canal flow is culverted presently,BUT see: http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
Last bit between main roads south of Crooklands
The M6 Offends again below Crooklands.However the stretch north west of the M6 is kept navigable by a feeder from Killington Reservoir maintaining that.The trip boat Waterwitch runs on this stretch in season: http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
nearing Crooklands,looking into infinite Cumbria,Mooo...
Waterwitch country;from Crooklands NW up to Waters End at crossing bridge near Stainton. Good caravan & hotel facilities here too.... http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
WATERWITCH,the trip-boat of the Lancaster Canal Trust: volunteers providing a free mini-cruise for interested parties... http://www.lctrust.co.uk/pages/the-trust.php
WATERWITCH,the Trip-boat of The Lancaster Canal Trust...recognise the crew ? http://www.lctrust.co.uk/pages/the-trust.php
Who's at the helm of WATERWITCH today(30.09.07) the trip-boat of the Lancaster Canal Trust....? http://www.lctrust.co.uk/pages/the-trust.php
WATERWITCH; trip boat of the Lancaster Canal Trust in which volunteers run free trips for interested parties in summer... http://www.lctrust.co.uk/pages/the-trust.php
LCT stand 2010
Oh,go on then,we will !
Looking south from Crooklands mooring point by showfield
bridge 167 looking northwards
Linda queueing for the boat trip
This is the short navigable section of the Lancaster Canal left isolated above Tewitfield when the M6 was built
The Waterwitch approaches carrying the previous trip passengers...
Waterwitch nearly home...
going under bridge to turn around.The new paint job looks very nice....
Waterwitch still awaiting re-signwriting due to adverse weather recent weeks...
Now it's our turn,we're aboard Waterwitch and ready for off....
away she goes...
It's so picturesque hereabouts....
there were torquoise dragonflies hatching on the right in the margins...
This is where the dragonflies were hatching from
looking back southwards....
SO tranquil beside the Larches,keeping the breeze off the water....
looking back astern at the lush countryside of S.Cumbria
it seems a shame to break the peace as we round this bend...
This fine 1770s John Rennie bridge,built of limestone from near here,typifies all those along the Lancaster Canal as far down as Wigan.Note the lime mortar!
well designed and well preserved,over 240 years of good service !
Our volunteer tourguide bows his head as we pass under bridge 168...
looking back astern at bridge 168,a fine original structure
Linda enjoys our trip through Cumbria's secret paradise....
Barry looking relaxed as we creep along the silent forgotten canal- once a busy waterway for Coal and Limestone barges, towed by sturdy horses thumping along the towpath....
Such idyllic scenery with those overhanging willows amongst the larches,some over 200 years old...
The lack of boating makes this stretch unique,all this would have been cut back if still in use,looking relatively bare as further south.
looking astern,we are not being followed - Waterwitch is alone on this stretch!
Our helmsman ducks to avoid the overhanging branches
The dramatic sky looks full of trouble,yet the weather held out miraculously on this fine Spring Bank Sunday
Our guide anounces we are going about ahead as this is the last winding hole( turning point)
Going about!
Looking SW here....
Our course is now set southwards and we edge towards the overhanging trees...
chugging slowly southwards....
approaching bridge 168 from the north....
Heads Down!The waterlevel is only about a foot lower than original here,and Waterwitch has a shallow draught.
The serene South Cumbrian landscape looks fabulous on this day from the calm water of the Northern Reaches,Lancaster Canal
what a way to see Cumbria !
Up ahead is the bridge where we started our trip,back too soon,only about 20 minutes....
The next people await their experience of paradise...
We near the mooring point and bridge 167
Ahoy there!
This time we are turning round north of the bridge...
We go astern towards our mooring point...
The navigation bottom to top,Crooklands to a weedy Waters End.Then leftwards the dewatered section down to the A590 bridge close to Hincaster Tunnel East Portal
The present Canal End at Stainton.It is hoped to restore it on to Kendal in the future.... http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
looking back on last stretch north in water,Stainton Waters End from the crossing bridge http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
Right to left:Waters End,crossing Bridge,green dewatered section.Under A590 to Hincaster Tunnel West Portal (under railway)
Looking northwards up the now dry canal bed from the bridge at Waters End,Stainton.... http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
Further north-west from Stainton.What was a canal here is going back to nature,doubtless assisted by Mr.Farmer....
The hilly lane leading north from Waters end
Up this hill and many more,it is eventually possible to get to Oxenholme Station.My leg muscles were crippling me so I got a train back to Lancaster this day and returned later.
WATERS END,presently at Stainton,from below bridge 172 You can help to restore YOUR Lancaster Canal,SEE: http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
172 Stainton Crossing bridge above Waters End
looking back at 172
between Stainton and Hincaster
Bridge 173 Sellett Hall
Sellett Hall Bridge 173
Visitor area,Hincaster Tunnel East Portal
Hincaster Tunnel, Lancaster Canal The water level is lower than it was when the canal was last navigable. The tunnel is crossed by the West Coast Main Line. The A 590 is immediately behind the photographer.
Hincaster Tunnel The tunnel is 378 yards long and there being no towpath, barges were manhandled through whilst the horses were led over the top of the hill on the pathway to the left
Plaque at East portal
Hincaster Tunnel, Lancaster Canal The water level is lower than it was when the canal was last navigable. The tunnel is crossed by the West Coast Main Line. The A590 is immediately behind the photographer.
Hincaster Tunnel East portal from canal bed
Virtual bargee's view,Hincaster Tunnel East
Hincaster tunnel East portal viewed from proper water level
Old photo of Hincster Tunnel portal and canal in water
Hincaster Tunnel East Portal from canal bed
Long horse tunnel under railway bridge,East end
looking back at Hincaster horse path
Second horse tunnel(railway West),Hincaster
Horse Tunnel,lower end,at Hincaster
lower horse tunnel,west end
looking back at lower horse tunnel,Hincaster horse path
the farm crossing horse tunnel
The lower(farm crossing) horse tunnel
Hincaster Tunnel,West Portal from Canal Bed
Hincaster Tunnel Portal ( lge BW )
clear water running through Hincaster Tunnel
Inside Hincaster Tunnel
Hincaster Tunnel West portal,from canal bed
Bottom:West portal,Hincaster Tunnel(see horse-path).Canal turns north beside lane.Tree line to point where A590 cutting caused demolition of a bridge.Line north of A590 accessed by steps to right of lane to Sedgwick,field back to agriculture.
this is the towpath leading from Sedgwick aqueduct along the remaining canal bank
Bottom left: of field across A590,scar of canal just visible.Line of trees on bank to Sedgwick Aqueduc(Top of picture)
The Aqueduct at Sedgwick
The Aqueduct at Sedgwick, from the street
information board placed at Sedgwick Aqueduct
The Section north of water's end at Stainton, up as far as Natland.Courtesy of: Lancaster Canal Trust C ) 2008 http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
North of Sedgwick Aqueduct,(centre bottom)canal back to agriculture,but Bridge 179 marks line.Through wooded section,canal quite visible in profile.
North of Sedgwick,the canal has been put back to agriculture by the farmer,but the canal bridge 179 stands proudly on !
Baah,what canal?No boats past ere mate! bridge 179
looking back at canal-less bridge 179
close up of 179
A canal gone,for now maybe.... http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
Canal more obvious now in this woodland
walking along canal bed here
Larkrigg Hall Bridge 180 See canal profile centre top
only the water missing here... bridge 180,Larkrigg Hall
not been a boat along here for a while.... south of Larkrigg hall bridge 180
only the water missing here too... looking back at bridge 180 Larkrigg Hall
This fence might have to go soon... http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
still the shape of a canal here...
Natland Hall Bridge 182.Canal runs very near River Kent here
Bridge 181,getting near to Natland now
Getting near Kendal now,bridge 181 - one of the last Natland Bridges
From Natland Hall,entering perimeter of Kendal near Industrial building centre top
Looking down at the River Kent from the canal banking
Bridge 182 Natland Hall.
Looking back at Natland Hall Bridge 182
The canal is under this crop! (Kendal outskirts here)
The last stretch of waterless canal by the Kent nearing Kendal C2008 Lancaster Canal Trust http://www.lctrust.co.uk/
site of Bridge 183(demolished). bridge 184 just inside parkland,and 185 further along cycleway
Canal course across this road going through park as we enter Kendal (bridge 183 was demolished that stood about here)
Bridge 184
Bridge 185
Bridge 186(Changeover),Castle bridge 187(iron sides). Canal head area centre top,now built over. KENDAL CASTLE Right of bridge 186
Bridge 186
Bridge 186 Changeover
Changeover bridge 186
Under 186
187 Castle Bridge
Old picture of Canal Head,Kendal
