Access It
Accessing the Towpath Trail
Considering the Lancaster Canal was originally built to increase connectivity, it's no surprise the Towpath Trail is very well connected!
As highlighted in the Walk It, Paddle It and Cycle It pages, the Towpath Trail can be accessed by train, bus, bike, or boot. Read on for further information.
By Train
We highly recommend experiencing the Towpath Trail by foot or bike in one direction and returning via the train. 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.
Accessibility Options
The Towpath Trail aspires to become a fully accessible route for all types of wheels, increasing access and opportunity for all.
Progress towards this vision is happening via current improvements between Stainton and Holme, creating a wider, less muddy Towpath surface to improve the experience and accessibility for wheelchair users. This million pound project is setting the standard we aim to achieve throughout the Towpath Trail. There are multiple access point and barrier challenges we will overcome and celebrate in our news section.
In the meantime, the best wheel friendly sections of the Towpath Trail can be found in;
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)
Stainton
- A short section, approximately 2km has been improved near Stainton Aqueduct.
- Improvements are currently underway from Stainton to Holme and are expected to be completed by January 2025.
- Whilst improvements are in progress, enjoy until Commonmire Lane or Bridge 169.
Lancaster
- Access the Towpath Trail from Aldcliffe Road where you can park adjacent to the canal near Aldcliffe Hall Road.
- Join the surfaced towpath towards Lancaster City Centre.
- At Aldcliffe Triangle Garden the Towpath Trail goes up and over the bridge to the other side of the canal which
creates a short, cobbled section and some incline to get up and over. - Either finish here or cross the bridge towards the Waterwitch Pub.
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.
