The Leafy Lancaster Loop

At a glance

2 Hours

Easy

4.7 miles

Mostly Flat

Walk

2

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Overview

Despite starting and finishing in Lancaster City Centre, this leafy loop route quickly takes you beyond the bustling city and into thriving nature. Explore the brilliant Aldcliffe Community Garden, Fairfield Nature Reserve and Community Orchard before finding your way through Freemans Woods and onto the marshes of the River Lune, home to rare trees protected by Lancashire Wildlife Trust. Loop back to the Towpath Trail via the village of Aldcliffe.

Step 1

This route starts at the Penny Street Bridge entrance to the Towpath Trail in Lancaster City Centre.

Arriving by train:

It’s a 10-minute walk to Penny Street Bridge from the station – exit the train station down Meeting House Lane which turns into Market Street. At the T Junction, turn right on to King Street and follow until you reach a major junction and the Royal Infirmary comes into view over the canal bridge. Cross the canal bridge and turn right down the ramp to join the Towpath.

Arriving by bike:

This route is not suitable for cycling, bike storage is available at Lancaster Railway Station. After securing your bike follow the directions above to reach the route starting point.

Arriving by car:

Park at Lucy Street Car Park, the closest council car park to Penny Street bridge following the closure of Nelson Street car park. Exit the car park on to Thurnham Street and turn right towards the junction at Penny Bridge. Cross the canal bridge and access the Towpath via the ramp.

Step 2

Follow the Towpath until it ends at ‘Basin Bridge’ also signposted as Aldcliffe Yard. Walk over the bridge and re-join the Towpath Trail on the opposite side of the canal by taking the small path on your right and walking under the bridge.

Step 3

Now you’re back on the Towpath Trail continue for just 30 metres until you see the Aldcliffe Community Garden on your right. Visit the garden to read about its history and to appreciate the flowers and herbs.

Exit the community garden onto Aldcliffe Road and continue under the railway bridge, taking when crossing Brook Street.

Step 4

Turn right onto Cromwell Road and continue to the end (approx 120 metres) where you will find the gated entrance to the Fairfield Nature Reserve. Enter the reserve and follow the well defined path spotting wildlife as you go. The Reserve ponds have been recently created to encourage Lapwings and Great Crested Newts.

Step 5

After the ‘Fauna’ stone sculpture you’ll reach a path junction. Turn left to walk through the Orchard.

Step 6

Continue on this path, following the line of ‘Lucy Brook’ on your left-hand side.

At the path junction, head right so the brook remains on your left-hand side.

Step 7

The path temporarily leaves Lucy Brook at Willow Drive.

Turn left on Willow Drive and follow the grass path and then pavement.

At the mini roundabout and farm entrance, continue straight ahead.

Step 8

Turn left to re-join the brook and woodland path just after the electricity sub station.

Step 9

At the footpath junction turn left, passing the Marsh Playing Fields and play area on your right-hand side.

Continue on this straight path for approximately 910 metres, look through the trees to see glimpses of the wildlife rich Freemans Pools on your right.

Step 10

At the estuary junction, turn left, taking note of the sign to keep dogs on leads to protect nesting birds.

Continue on the estuary path for approximately 1.5km keeping an eye out for Herons, elusive Jays and Curlews with their piercing cry!

Step 11

The disused railway path will come into view on your left-hand side. At the metal kissing gate, follow the signs to Aldcliffe along Aldcliffe Hall Lane.

Step 12

Continue on Aldcliffe Hall Lane, after approximately 660 metres, turn left on to Aldcliffe Hall Drive (on the opposite side there is a signposted footpath to the River Lune). You will pass more houses until you reach the former grand entrance to Aldcliffe Hall which was demolished in the 1960’s.

Step 13

At the end of Aldcliffe Hall Drive you’ll see the original East Lodge, a listed building and nod to the former Aldcliffe Hall.

Cross Aldcliffe Road here and return to the Towpath Trail in front of you, heading left to walk under the bridge.

Step 14

Retrace your previous steps by leaving the Towpath Trail at Basin Bridge (after Aldcliffe Community Garden) to re-join again via the bridge at Aldcliffe Yard and return towards The Water Witch Pub.