Welcome to the
Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail

Everything you need to know about the Towpath Trail between Kendal and Lancaster on the Lancaster Canal

The Towpath Trail between Kendal and Lancaster is a unique place for walking, cycling, paddling, and general rural enjoyment! 

The Towpath Trail aspires to become fully accessible by welcoming and enabling all users to enjoy the Towpath Trail between historic Kendal and Lancaster. 

The first steps toward achieving this vision were taken in 2018 when funding was secured from Sport England to upgrade a 2km section near Stainton. In 2024, thanks to Rural Shared Prosperity Funding, the Towpath Trail benefited from a £1 million investment to continue improvements from Stainton towards the village of Holme. Thanks to the positive feedback received from many users who previously couldn’t access the Towpath, we have a standard of quality which we plan to recreate throughout the route. Sign up to our newsletter or check the ‘News’ page for progress updates. 

Lancaster Canal Towpath basic map view
Person walking under bridge on the Sizergh castle loop
Public footpath sign on the Tewitfield loop

Who's behind the Towpath Trail?

The Towpath Trail initiative is led by the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership, a Community Interest Company. The partnership is supported by Local Authorities and local and national charities. Members include;

  • Canal & River Trust
  • Inland Waterways Association
  • Kendal Town Council
  • Lancashire County Council
  • Lancaster Canal Trust
  • Lancaster City Council 
  • Westmorland & Furness Council

The wider partnership meets every quarter to hear the progress of task and finish groups who focus on towpath access improvements, promotion, funding and biodiversity. 

The CIC is led by three directors and LCRP’s Project Manager – [email protected] 

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Help us to protect the Towpath Trail