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    There’s something special about exploring the Lanc There’s something special about exploring the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail by bike - peaceful water on one side, open countryside on the other, and charming sights to enjoy along the way.

One of our favourite Towpath Trail stretch for cycling is from Stainton (Wellheads Lane) to just north of Holme. It’s a gentle ride that takes you through classic canal-side scenery and under beautiful bridges.

The towpath here is ideal for a relaxed ride especially for those with little legs! Also great to combine it into a bigger adventure by connecting with a longer nearby route.

And if you’re planning your own ride, we’ve got plenty of routes, safety tips and access info on our website "Cycle It" page via the link in our bio.

#LancasterCanal #TowpathTrail #CycleIt #LancashireByBike #CumbriaByBike #EnjoyIt
    Thinking of trying canoeing, kayaking or paddleboa Thinking of trying canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding?

The Lancaster Canal is the perfect calm waterway to give paddling a go, particularly in the northern section where there is only one boat - the fabulous Waterwitch ran by Lancaster Canal Trust, to share the space with!

Start simple - join a local club or water sports centre where you’ll get the right kit, friendly guidance and the chance to learn safely. It’s a great way to build confidence, meet new people and enjoy nature from the water.

Find lots of fab beginner tips and resources on the @canalrivertrust website under > Things to do > Canoeing and Kayaking  Near Me > Getting Started

And don't forget to get your licence! 

#PaddleboardingUK #PaddleUK #CanalRiverTrust #PaddleLife #PaddleLancaster #LancasterCanal #ExploreLancaster
    We’re proud to share that the Lancaster Canal Rege We’re proud to share that the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC has won the Inland Waterways Association’s Christopher Power Prize! 💚

Our Project Manager Helen Watson-Moriarty was recognised for her role in restoring 15 miles of towpath, securing £2.5m+ in partnership grants and moving us closer to creating a continuous accessible path. 

The carved-wood otter trophy 🦦 was presented to Helen by Audrey Smith OBE at @longlandshotel Tewitfield - who so kindly donated tea and cake for the occasion! The award includes £1,000 which we’ll use to add more rest points along the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail - helping more people to enjoy it!

A huge thank you to everyone involved in the partnership, our volunteers, local communities and supporters who help make the trail such a welcoming and vibrant part of the canal network.

Together, we’re creating a continuous, accessible Towpath Trail for all. 🫶 🙌

@iwa_uk @canalrivertrust 

#LancasterCanal #TowpathTrail #AccessibleOutdoors #HincasterTunnel #NorthernReaches #Kendal
    A few weeks ago we met with the North Lancashire B A few weeks ago we met with the North Lancashire Bridleways Society to look at examples of gate designs that would enable the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail to become welcoming for everyone.

In this clip, Bridget shows how riders can pass through gates safely on the Hincaster Trailway near the Towpath Trail in Stainton. 

Bridget is the mastermind behind the creation of the Hincaster Trailway - you can easily link to it from the towpath for a lovely loop on foot or horseback - highly recommend!

Horses are allowed on the Towpath Trail from Wellheads Lane to the small car park at Stainton, the section owned and managed by Lancaster Canal Trust.

Huge thanks to Bridget for sharing her story, skills and time 🙌

#LancasterCanal #TowpathTrail #ShareTheTrail #Cumbria #Lancashire #HorseRiding
    In the battle between bonfire night vs. wildlife. In the battle between bonfire night vs. wildlife. Swipe to meet the crew… and how we can be their accomplices tonight.

How to keep it calm for our wild neighbours:

🚫 No fireworks or sky lanterns on or near the canal towpaths or water.
📍 Choose organised displays away from the canal.
🐶 Walk dogs earlier, keep them close after dark.
🔦 Use torches on low; don’t shine into trees, hedges, bridges or the water (bats & birds roost there).
🔥 If you’re lighting a bonfire at home, check for wildlife first (hedgehogs love a log pile).
🗑️ Take litter home with you - wrappers and sparkler sticks are toxic to wildlife.
🕊️ See an animal in distress? Keep distance and contact a local wildlife rescue.

We’re all for cosy nights, hot chocolate and stargazing - just keep the bangs off the towpath so the bat recon team, barn owl ops and badger security can clock off in peace.

Thanks for looking after our wild neighbours 💚

#LancasterCanal #TowpathTrail #KeepWildlifeWild #BonfireNight #FamilyFriendly #DogFriendly #LeaveNoTrace #Cumbria #Lancaster
    Autumn along the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail is Autumn along the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail is a magical time - golden leaves and fungi popping up in all shapes, colours and sizes.

From tiny fairy caps nestled in the grass to bright orange brackets on old tree stumps, our towpaths and woodier stretches are full of fascinating fungi to spot this season.

Where to find them:
- Shady, damp spots along hedgerows and woodland edges
- Around tree roots and fallen logs
- Mossy canal banks and grass verges after rain

Common types you might see:
🍄 Fly agaric – the classic red toadstool with white spots
🍄 Shaggy ink cap – tall, white and feathery before turning black and inky
🍄 Bracket fungi – fan-shaped and found growing on tree trunks
🍄 Puffballs – small, round fungi that release a puff of spores when touched
🍄 Honey Fungus – grows in clusters at the base of trees; a common sight in autumn

A gentle reminder: as beautiful as they are, please don’t touch or pick fungi. Many species are fragile and some can be poisonous. Enjoy them where they grow and take photos from a distance.

Next time you’re out walking or cycling the towpath, take a moment to look down and see what’s growing underfoot - it’s a whole hidden world waiting to be discovered.

Tag us in your photos too - we'd love to see your fungi finds!

#LancasterCanal #TowpathTrail #FungiSeason #AutumnWalks #WalkIt #CycleIt #EnjoyIt
    Did you know our canals are some of the best place Did you know our canals are some of the best places to see bats swooping and gliding at dusk?🦇

These incredible little mammals come out after dark to hunt for moths, midges and mosquitoes – a real treat to watch on a still autumn evening.

Tips for your bat walk:
✨ Head out just after sunset when bats are most active
✨ Look out for them skimming low over the canal or weaving through trees
✨ Stay quiet and keep torches low – they rely on their amazing echolocation to find their way

Why not spend Halloween doing something a little different? Get wrapped up warm, grab a torch (for your path, not the bats!) and head out for a Bat Walk to see what you can spot on the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail 🎃

There's some great tips on the Canal & River Trust website - head over to the link in our bio to read more!

#LancasterCanal #TowpathTrail #HalloweenWalks #BatSpotting #CanalWildlife
    Today we wanted to highlight amazing local artist Today we wanted to highlight amazing local artist @_emmafieldart_ who has been feeling inspired by the reflections and colours along the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail!

Emma has taken inspiration from morning walks with friends and lunch break walks to create several stunning paintings including 'Winter Reflections on The Lancaster Canal' & 'Dappled Light on the Towpath by Haverbreaks'.

"I'm really happy with how it has captured the feeling I experience admiring the changing seasons along the canal, which is somewhere I enjoy running, walking with my family and friends. I feel very lucky to have this constant source of inspiration so close to home and my work and will be excited to sit by the canal soon to paint en plein air!"

Emma was also a 2025 Lancashire Landscape Artist of the Year finalist (@lancashirecc and @creativelancs) for Winter Reflections on The Lancaster Canal and The Pepper Pot, Silverdale.

If you want to check out some of her beautiful artwork it will be on display at @arteriawithgallery23 in Lancaster from October 2025 - January 2026.

#LancasterCanal #CanalTowpathTrail #Lancashire #Cumbria #Lancaster #ArtistInspiration

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