Part Two of exploring the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail

In the first part of our exploration of the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, we took you on a southern journey from The Longlands Inn & Restaurant at Tewitfield down to Lancaster. In part two, we’re taking you northwards toward Kendal. The water might end just north of Tewitfield, but there’s still lots to see, do, and explore on this section, and all straight from the front door of The Longlands. The Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail is a new initiative led by the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership and supported by Local Authorities and charities. Here are some more trails to explore and what you can see and do en route:

Farleton Fell

This part of the trail starts off flat along the canal Towpath Trail before climbing some steeper fell paths to open up beautiful views over the Morecambe Bay area. You can start from various points, but if you’re leaving from The Longlands, just keep heading north in the direction of Holme village. You’ll be able to see some great views of Farleton Fell in the distance before you reach it. There is still water on this part of the canal, although it is no longer navigable to boats – passing under the M6 motorway via a culvert in various sections. Both Holme Park Fell on the approach to Farleton Knott and Farleton Fell itself are known for their impressive limestone pavements and are a noted Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

https://lancastercanaltowpathtrail.co.uk/walk-trails/farleton-fell-loop/

The Levens Hall Loop

Listed monuments, a stunning deer park, and a historic hall and world-famous topiary gardens are just a few of the highlights on the Levens Hall Loop of the Towpath Trail. Starting at Levens Hall – a grand Elizabethan house built around a 13th century Pele Tower – you’ll follow fields and farmland toward Hincaster village where signs for Tewitfield signify the starting point of the Hincaster Tunnel ‘Horse Path’, a listed ancient monument so-called as the path was used to transfer horses from one end of the tunnel to the other as there was no towpath in the tunnel. Watch your head on a couple of the tunnels! Keep heading toward Sedgwick where Sedgwick Hall will be visible on the right before joining the bridge across the River Kent leading back down to Levens Deer Park – a peaceful wildlife haven home to a herd of black fallow deer and rare-breed Bagot goats. On finishing back at Levens Hall, we recommend taking a look at the cakes & pastries from the on-site café and bakery!

https://lancastercanaltowpathtrail.co.uk/walk-trails/the-levens-hall-loop/

Sizergh Castle

Just shy of six miles in distance across mixed terrain, the Sizergh Castle loop begins from the 800-year old home of the Strickland family, just 10 miles from The Longlands Inn & Restaurant. The Castle and grounds with rock garden, orchards, and stumpery are well worth taking in before joining the Low Sizergh Barn Farm Trail heading north across the suspension bridge to the former Gunpowder Works and woodland at Larkrigg Spring. The Gunpowder Works are part of the Sizergh Estate, and the bridge was built to provide access for workers at the former Gunpowder Works, the remains of which are still visible today. After making your way across fields and woodland, you’ll join the Towpath Trail again at Larkrigg Hall Bridge to follow back toward Sedgwick and Sizergh.

https://lancastercanaltowpathtrail.co.uk/walk-trails/the-sizergh-castle-loop/

Historic Kendal

One of the shortest of the Towpath Trails is the Historic Kendal Loop taking in the original canal basin, Kendal Museum, and the remains of Kendal Castle. It might be short, but it is quite steep in places! Starting from Kendal Museum – one of Britain’s oldest museums – you’ll head toward the ruin of Kendal Castle, which has links to King Henry VIII’s last wife, Catherine Parr. The Castle offers great views of the ‘auld grey town’ and surrounding countryside. Passing through the iron sculpture, follow the grassy path down the hill between the trees before joining the Towpath Trail alongside the line of the former canal. You can then explore where the canal boats collected and delivered goods with the original warehouse doors still standing within Gilkes engineering company before heading back into the town.

https://lancastercanaltowpathtrail.co.uk/walk-trails/kendal-central/

To find out more about the ongoing restoration work of the Lancaster Canal, plus other Towpath Trail routes, visit https://lancastercanaltowpathtrail.co.uk/.

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