Welcome to the
Towpath Trail

The Towpath Trail is a unique place for walking, cycling, paddling, and general rural enjoyment! Click on the icons above to find out how you can walk it, paddle it, cycle it, enjoy it, access it and appreciate everything the Towpath Trail has to offer. 

The fate of the Towpath Trail was set in the 1960’s when the M6 motorway was built. Unfortunately, despite local protests, it was decided that the M6 would dissect the Lancaster Canal, leaving it unnavigable by boat north of Tewitfield. As a result, parts of the northern section, also known as ‘The Northern Reaches’, are home to an abandoned canal with former canal bridges in farmers’ fields and neat rows of Oak trees nestled alongside wildflowers instead of water. 

Today the Towpath Trail celebrates its heritage and follows the original towpath in both the watered and un-watered sections to promote stunning walking and cycling routes. The Towpath Trail aspires to be fully accessible, welcoming and enabling all users to enjoy the Towpath Trail between historic Kendal and Lancaster.