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    Nick Cotton from the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Nick Cotton from the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Cumbria Tourism Awards for the Sheila Hensman Unsung Hero Award - and we couldn’t be more pleased to see his dedication recognised.

For the past three years, Nick has volunteered his time on the towpath itself, heading out at least three times a week for hours at a time to strim and help keep the route accessible. His work has played a hugely important role in maintaining the width of the towpath so it can continue to be used by wheelchair users and others who rely on a more accessible surface and route.

Alongside his practical work on the ground, Nick also supports the Partnership as a director, giving his time to meetings and helping move the wider vision forward too.

His commitment, consistency and care for the canal and the people who use it make this recognition so richly deserved.

Congratulations Nick - and very best of luck from all of us. 🤞

#UnsungHero #CommunityChampion #CanalRestoration
    If you’re enjoying a wander along the Lancaster Ca If you’re enjoying a wander along the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail in Kendal, take a moment to look through these photos and imagine what this part of town used to look like - and how the canal once helped bring trade, industry and new life to Kendal.

While @stricklandgatehouse isn’t a visitor site, their wonderful "Story of the Kendal Canal" blog is well worth a read if you’d like to add a little local heritage to your walk (link below). It brings the lost waterway to life, from the canal plans being approved in 1793, to its opening on 18th June 1819, through to the busy trading years that helped shape Kendal, and the later decline after the railway arrived in 1846.

It’s a lovely way to enjoy the trail and discover more about the history beneath your feet so be sure to have a read up before your next walk so you can imagine what this part of the town used to look like.

https://www.stricklandgate-house.org.uk/the-story-of-kendal-canal

#KendalHistory #LancasterCanalTowpathTrail #CumbriaHeritage
    Meet Tom and Tom our brilliant contractors from La Meet Tom and Tom our brilliant contractors from Lakes & Dales Countryside & Landscaping Services 👏

Here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at the improvements now underway at Natland Hall Bridge and access at Cracalt Farm.

Thanks to support from the Thrive Heritage Fund (@wandfcouncil), we’re creating a better, clearer connection from the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail to The Dairy Shed, so more people can enjoy an easy, car-free walk with a well-earned milkshake stop.

The new diversion path will make it easier to reach The Dairy Shed from the Towpath Trail. While it’s not possible for this route to be made fully accessible, we have chosen wide gates so sturdy pushchairs can still fit through.

At the same time, restoration works at Natland Hall Bridge are helping to protect an important heritage feature and make this stretch feel safer and more welcoming.

If you’re passing through while work is happening, please take care, follow any temporary signage and bear with us - it’ll be worth it.

A big thank you to Tom and Tom for all their hard work. We’ll keep sharing updates as the project moves along.

#CommunityMatters #CanalTowpathTrail #CanalRestoration
    A big thank you to Marketing Lancashire for shinin A big thank you to Marketing Lancashire for shining a spotlight on the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail and supporting our vision for the future.

We’re really grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness of the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, share its potential with a wider audience and start more conversations with Lancashire businesses who may want to get involved.

The Towpath Trail is not only a wonderful route for walking, wheeling and exploring - it also offers great opportunities for local businesses, attractions and hospitality venues to connect with visitors and work together to encourage more people to enjoy all that this part of Lancashire has to offer.

We’d love to keep building those connections, so if you’re a Lancashire business based along or near the trail and would like to explore ways to collaborate, please get in touch with our Project Manager - Helen Moriarty - helen@lancastercanaltowpathrail.co.uk

Thank you again to Marketing Lancashire for your support to read more about our aspirations for future improvements in Lancashire take a look at the full article here >
https://www.marketinglancashire.com/news/spotlight/the-lancaster-towpath-trail/

#LancasterCanal #TowpathTrail #ExploreLancaster
    Spring is made for getting gulps of fresh air and Spring is made for getting gulps of fresh air and time well spent outdoors 🌿

Whether you’re walking, cycling, paddling or simply stopping to soak it all in, the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail is the perfect place to make the most of longer days and sunnier weather 🤞

Pack a picnic, grab an ice cream or coffee from one of the lovely local stops along the way, bring the dog, bring the family and enjoy a day at your own pace.

From peaceful waterside wanders to bigger adventures, there are so many ways to enjoy the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail ☀️

#LancasterCanalTowpathTrail #BankHolidayActivities #CanalWalks
    If you've been searching for a free, feel good day If you've been searching for a free, feel good day out with the kids - why not try green sketching along the canal. 🌿✏️

Green sketching is all about slowing down, taking notice and enjoying the nature around you. From wildflowers and trees to birds, bugs and canal-side views. It’s not about creating the perfect picture or putting pressure on the end result. It’s simply about pausing, looking more closely and appreciating the flora and fauna you might otherwise rush past.

The Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail is a lovely place to give it a go. Pack some paper and pencils, head out for a wander and let the kids draw whatever catches their eye along the way - a duck on the water, a narrowboat passing by, a patch of cow parsley or a favourite tree.

A simple, creative and completely free way to spend time together outdoors!

#LancasterCanal #TowpathTrail #GreenSketching
    Fancy a family-friendly bike ride? 🚲 The Lancaste Fancy a family-friendly bike ride? 🚲

The Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail has some lovely stretches for cycling with kids, with flatter routes, peaceful surroundings and plenty to spot along the way.

One of our favourite sections is the track from Stainton to Farleton - it's ideal for getting little legs pedalling without the stress of busy roads. Expect waterside views, boats, bridges, wildlife and lots of fresh air, with the freedom to go at your own pace.

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.

Pack some snacks, make a day of it and enjoy a gentle adventure together along the towpath. 🫶

A big thank you to Annie from @ourweeadventures for giving us permission to share her videos with the little ones out enjoying the Towpath Trail - they use the towpath daily and say it's been an absolute game changer for planning fun, cheap and easy days out with the kids!

#FamilyDaysOut #FamilyBikeRides #FamilyAdventures
    Looking for somewhere fun to take the kids this we Looking for somewhere fun to take the kids this weekend? @lowsizerghbarn is a brilliant add-on to a Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail walk or bike ride near Kendal - ideal for little legs (and little wheels) before you warm up in the farm café.

Pop in for a brew, cake, lunch or one of their famously good milkshakes, then time it right and you can watch the cows being milked live from the café gallery window at 3.30pm each day 🐄

There’s also a lovely farm shop for local goodies (perfect if you’re stocking up in the run up to Easter), plus plenty to keep curious kids entertained while you enjoy a proper sit-down.

And if you’ve still got a bit of energy left… head out on their Farm Trail. It starts just outside the barn and takes you on a proper little nature adventure - past the fields, orchard and growing areas, with loads to spot along the way (think stream-splashing, pond-peeking and woodland wandering).

Save this for a simple family day out and tag someone who’d be up for it.

#VisitKendal #VisitCumbria #WhatsOnKendal

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