Access It
Our Access Vision
The Towpath Trail aspires to be an accessible trail for disabled people
and all types of wheels, increasing access and wellbeing opportunities for all
Recent progress towards this vision includes the 2025 surface improvements between Stainton and Holme. This £1.1 million project created a wider, less muddy Towpath surface to improve the experience and accessibility for disabled people. The accessibility improvements in this section have set the accessibility standard we aim to repeat throughout the Towpath Trail between Kendal and Lancaster. There are multiple access challenges to overcome going forwards however we are committed to making positive changes via the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership and its dedicated member support.
Whilst we work towards this goal, we aim to provide as much information as possible to respect and support disabled people who may want to access the Towpath Trail. If you need additional information to help plan your visit, please get in touch with [email protected]
The Canal & River Trust accessibility map highlights where there is slope access onto the Towpath – available here and provides more information than the options we’ve highlighted below.
In December 2025, a ‘Community Snapshot’ was launched to highlight a range of Towpath Trail supporters who welcome further accessibility improvements on the Towpath Trail for disabled people, pram access and level access for walkers and runners.
By gathering hundreds of positive comments and interactions across our social media channels, we demonstrated that significant community support for change exists. Evidence of community support will help the Regeneration Partnership unlock future funding opportunities to continue surface improvements, create accessible entry and exit points and turn our accessible vision into reality.
Accessible Area 1 : Crooklands
- Completed in January 2025 there is approximately 8km of surfaced Towpath between Bridge 155 (near Farleton) and Stainton (near Wellheads Lane)
- We recommend parking at the Canal & River Trust car park in Millness (near the Texaco garage off the A65). The car park is in the middle of the improved section. From the car park there is level access onto the Towpath Trail in both directions – either northwards towards Stainton or southwards towards Bridge 155.
- Wheeling south, the level access ends at Bridge 155. Disabled people may struggle to get up the steep unsurfaced path onto the road bridge to continue following the Towpath Trail route towards Holme village. There is room to turn a wheelchair around at this point and LCRP have aspirations to install an accessible exit point here.
- Wheeling north, the level access ends at Wellheads Lane near Stainton. The Towpath Trail route continues around Hincaster Tunnel via the ‘Horse Path’ but it is not currently level or accessible. LCRP, in partnership with Canal & River Trust, are designing solutions to create level access through Hincaster Tunnel (read more here)
- The surface narrows slightly underneath each canal bridge to accommodate the existing canal bank structure, please see the picture above which illustrates how the surface changes under bridges.
- The surface improvements in this section were completed thanks to funding from the UK Government via the Rural Shared Prosperity Fund and Sport England.
Accessible Area 2 : Lancaster
- From the city centre head toward Aldcliffe Road, which runs parallel to the canal on the west side of the city centre and provides a smooth transition from the pavement to the Towpath near the Waterwitch pub.
Parking options adjacent to the canal near Aldcliffe Hall Road are available.
- At Aldcliffe Triangle Garden the Towpath Trail goes up and over the bridge to the other side of the canal which
includes a short, cobbled section and a steep incline which may be difficult for some disabled people - The access ramp on to the Towpath from Penny Street Bridge is good but the surface on the towpath here can narrow and be busy especially during the summer months.
- Utilise the accessibility map to choose a preferred entry and exit point within Lancaster City centre
- A Lancaster highlight is wheeling over the Lune Aqueduct for great views of the city and river. We recommend parking near Woodlands Road, off Halton Road, for level access on to the Towpath. Once you reach the Towpath, turn right towards the aqueduct and continue over the aqueduct to reach the city centre.
Accessible Area 3 : Bolton-le-Sands
- Access the Towpath Trail via the wide gate entrance from Whin Grove. (What Three Words ///cuter.fruits.carpets)
- Turn right to enjoy a flat surface and sea views
- Exit or turn back again at St Michels Lane (What Three Words ///depending.enhances.almost)
Travelling to the Towpath Trail
Considering the Lancaster Canal was originally built to increase connectivity,
it's no surprise the Towpath Trail is very well connected!
By Train
We highly recommend experiencing the Towpath Trail by foot or bike in one direction and returning via the train. Please remember cycling in the northern section utilises the National Cycling Network route (between Stainton and Kendal) rather than the former towpath. Both Kendal and Lancaster train stations are close to the start/finish points of the Towpath Trail making this an attractive access option. Bike reservations are not required from Kendal to Lancaster but are if travelling from Lancaster to Kendal. The booking page will show you how many bike spaces are available and confirm that it doesn’t cost extra to travel with a bike.
It only takes 32 minutes to travel from Kendal to Lancaster or vice versa and there are normally 6 trains per day. Ticket prices start from £6.10 when booked in advance, check out trainline for bookings and detailed information.
By Bus
The Towpath Trail is never far away from a bus stop. Stagecoach’s 555 leaves Kendal every hour towards Lancaster and stops at many of the starting points highlighted in the walking section including Sizergh Castle, Levens Hall, Burton-in-Kendal, Tewitfield, Carnforth and Bolton-le Sands.
Take advantage of the current £2 fare cap and plan several loop routes in one day by taking the 555 in-between. In the north Crooklands and loop routes such as Farleton Fell are accessible via the 567 to Kirkby Lonsdale. For all bookings and departure times plan your journey here.
By Car
The Towpath Trail has no dedicated car park and limited parking options, we recommend accessing it via the bus or train to avoid disappointment.
This map highlights the closest parking options for the Towpath Trail and the majority of ‘Walk It’ routes start and finish at a car park.
Accommodation Options
Staying near the Towpath Trail is easy thanks to a fantastic range of quality accommodation options.
To stay in Kendal or Lancaster visit the Visit Kendal and Visit Lancaster website for a range of choices.
Click to view our rural favourites;
Boating Options
Don’t forget you can access the Lancaster Canal by boat!
The Kingfisher Cruise departs from various locations in Lancaster and options range from heritage cruises, fish and chip cruises to comedy cruises! Choose one that works for you via the link below.
Canal boat hire is available via
And don’t forget the Waterwitch Trip boat in the Northern Reaches! Operated by the Lancaster Canal Trust every Sunday and Bank Holiday from the 5th or May to end of September, this is a lovely way to access the Towpath Trail from the water! More information via the link below.
