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    Have you seen Kendal’s Change Bridge whilst going Have you seen Kendal’s Change Bridge whilst going along the Towpath Trail?

Tucked along the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, this Grade II listed bridge was built around 1819 - and it had a very practical job. It’s a “change bridge”, designed so the tow horse could cross over to the other side of the canal without being unhitched, whenever the towpath swapped banks.

It was restored in 2002 and it’s believed to be the only surviving change bridge in Cumbria - a small structure with a big story.

Next time you walk past, slow down for a second and picture the scene: working boats, tow ropes and a canal that once carried coal north and limestone south - earning it the nickname the “Black and White Canal.”

#LancasterCanalTowpathTrail #VisitKendal #CumbriaHistory
    It's St Patricks Day tomorrow so we thought we'd h It's St Patricks Day tomorrow so we thought we'd highlight one of our favourite local pubs along the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail!

Introducing The Smithy Inn at Holme. Full of character, cosy corners and proper old-world charm, The Smithy Inn is a lovely place to stop for a hearty meal and a well-earned drink after a walk along the towpath.

And it’s got some brilliant history too. We recently chatted with the landlord, who told us that the original blacksmith’s used to be separate from the inn, before later refurbishments which mean it is now part of the pub. The original anvil is still there today, along with photographs of some of the people who once worked in the smithy.

With the Lancaster Canal so busy in its heyday, it’s lovely to imagine that plenty of the working horses passing along the towpath may well have ended up stopping by the smithy too.

So whether you’re out for a canal-side wander, a countryside stroll or simply looking for a welcoming local pub full of stories, The Smithy Inn is well worth a visit.

They have live music on St Patricks Day so be sure to pop in for a brew or two, cheers to that 🍻

📍The Smithy Inn, Milnthorpe Road, Holme, Carnforth
https://smithyinn.co.uk/

#WhatsOnLancashire #Holme #LancasterCanal
    Funding success! 🎉 We’re over the moon to share th Funding success! 🎉 We’re over the moon to share that we’ve successfully secured support from the Thrive Heritage Fund from @wandfcouncil to help improve this brilliant little stretch of the Towpath Trail.

What this funding will help us to do:

✅ Create a better route from the towpath to The Dairy Shed making it easier for more people to enjoy a car-free walk with a well-earned milkshake stop.

✅ Complete restoration works to Natland Hall Bridge protecting an important local heritage feature and making the route feel safer and more welcoming.

This is exactly the kind of practical progress that helps more people to get out and enjoy the Towpath Trail - whether you’re heading out with little ones, meeting a friend for a gentle stroll, or popping out for some fresh air after work!

A huge thank you to Westmorland & Furness Council for backing the project, and to everyone who’s supported the wider work to improve access and connections along the canal. We’ll share more updates as plans develop and work gets underway.

#LancasterCanalTowpathTrail #CumbriaNews #CommunityMatters
    Last week our Project Manager, Helen, took part in Last week our Project Manager, Helen, took part in a brilliant training session on Disability Awareness, Accessibility and Inclusion for the Tourism and Hospitality Sector.

The session, delivered by Kendal-based charity @bendriggtrust centred around the theme “More than just a warm welcome” with lots of practical ideas that we can put into place to make the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail more accessible.

From pre-visit information, to improved signage -  we’re excited to start applying what we’ve learned so that even more people can enjoy the peace, beauty and heritage of the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail.

#AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveTourism #LancasterCanal #Lancaster #CanalWalks #CanalTowpath #LancasterCanalTowpathTrail
    This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who make space for other women to feel supported, seen and a little less alone 💛

One lovely local example is @mammasocialco weekly talk and walks.

Our local group in Cumbria has been built by the lovely Jessica Bramley who is soon to be passing the baton to Kim Knipe.

They meet weekly at @the_crooklands Hotel to head out along the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail for a gentle stroll with the kids, enjoy fresh air, movement and community.

If you’ve been craving a midweek reset (and a friendly face or two), this is a gorgeous way to spend a Thursday morning. We're beyond chuffed that people are using the Towpath Trail exactly as we intended! 

Next walk Thursday 12th March 2026
Time 9:30am – 11:00am
Host: Jessica Bramley
Meet: Crooklands Hotel, Milnthorpe LA7 7NW
Book via the link on the Mamma Social Co. page.

#InternationalWomensDay #WomenSupportingWomen #CommunityMatters
    Since launching the Kendal to Stainton Towpath Imp Since launching the Kendal to Stainton Towpath Improvements Campaign, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to turn ideas and support into real, practical progress.

One of the biggest steps forward has been the amazing support from local landowners, many of whom have welcomed Helen (Project Manager) and Mike (Public Rights of Way Officer) for site visits along the route. We’ve welcomed a really positive response, several landowners have already agreed that surface improvements could be possible.

Thanks to that encouragement, we’re getting closer to the design stage for further Towpath Trail improvements between Kendal towards Stainton. This is a major milestone and an important step towards securing the funding needed to make these upgrades happen.

This is exactly how change starts: conversations, collaboration, and a shared belief that the Towpath Trail should be easier to enjoy for everyone - walkers, families, and anyone who’d benefit from a smoother surface.

We’ll keep you posted as the next steps take shape. 🫶

#LancasterCanalTowpathTrail #Kendal #CommunityMatters
    Hincaster Tunnel Update: the next stage ✅ Last mo Hincaster Tunnel Update: the next stage ✅

Last month we shared our progress on exploring accessible options for Hincaster Tunnel - the 346-metre, Grade II listed tunnel that’s been out of public use for decades.

Since then, we’ve kept the momentum going thanks to continued support from Westmorland & Furness Council, the Lancaster Canal Trust and heritage specialists @crosbygrangerarchitects We’re now moving from feasibility into additional design options to create a strong deliverable improvement.

What’s happening next :

🔹Second stage design work is underway, building on the preferred “Roman Road” style path concept (permeable, full-width, and designed with drainage in mind).

🔹Securing a local ecologist to assess possible wildlife impacts and suggest mitigation measures

These findings will shape the ambition to create access and guide what’s needed to progress permissions whilst protecting what makes this place special.

Because the tunnel sits within a rich natural environment, the design stage is important. We want any improvements to be thoughtful, heritage-led, and nature-positive - helping more people enjoy the Towpath Trail, while strengthening the area as a wildlife haven.

A big thank you again to everyone involved so far and we’ll keep sharing updates as the surveys come in and the designs develop.

#LancasterCanalTowpathTrail #HincasterTunnel #CanalDevelopmentWorks
    Did you know the Lancaster Canal originally reache Did you know the Lancaster Canal originally reached Kendal?

Long before the M6 and modern roads, this waterway was the region’s “slow lane” for moving goods and connecting communities. The route was agreed in 1792, the canal opened in stages from 1797, and the Kendal extension (the Northern Reaches) was completed in 1819.

If you’ve ever walked the Towpath Trail between Kendal and Stainton, you’ve been following an engineering story that’s over 200 years old. Next time you’re out, take a moment to picture the boats, horses and hard graft that built it.

📍 Have you got a favourite spot on this stretch? Tell us below.

📸 Photos from Canal & River Trust Archives
1. Collection of waterways images by enthusiast Michael Ware
2. From bridge 166 at Crooklands
3. Dammed bridge at Stainton crossing bridge 172
4. Workmen repairing the bed of Lancaster Canal at Holme
5&6. Hincaster tunnel
7. Sedgewick Aqueduct
8. Hest Bank
9. Hincaster tunnel
10. Aqueduct near Holme

#LancasterCanal #Kendal #Cumbria

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