The Tewitfield Loop
At a glance
1hr 15mins
Moderate
2
3 miles
Muddy when wet
Overview
Whilst this route may appear too close to the M6 to describe as ‘tranquil’ you will be pleasantly surprised how quickly the traffic noise disappears and rural peace returns! This section of the Towpath Trail needs improvements and can be very muddy after heavy rain so bring your wellies! After the Towpath Trail section the route provides a tea shop, former quarry and glimpses of a 16th Century Manor House. It starts and finishes at the fabulous Longlands Hotel where you will find everything you need to refuel at the end of your Towpath Trail walk.
Step 1
Arriving by bus;
Stagecoach’s 555 leaves both Kendal and Lancaster every hour and stops outside the Longlands Hotel, the starting point for this route. From Kendal it takes 43minutes and from Lancaster it takes 34minutes. Plan your route here.
Arriving by car;
Park at The Longlands Hotel if you are planning to eat/drink there (highly recommended!) or park adjacent to the car park.
Arriving by bike;
This walk is not suitable for most bikes. However if you are planning to arrive by bike, Longlands Hotel have a secure bike rack for customers.
Step 2
Walk through the open gate, following the ‘Canal Walk’ signs, ignore the signs and turnings for the Marina (you can view the marina from the other side).
Step 3
Follow the path onto the Towpath Trail and head towards the picnic bench and signs passing Tewitfield Marina on your left.
Step 4
Continue on the Towpath Trail for approximately 3km passing under 5 bridges and over the Keer Aqueduct.
Step 5
Leave the Towpath Trail at Bridge 131, following the signs to The New England Tea Room.
Step 6
Cross over the bridge and enter The New England Caravan Park to refuel at the Tea Room.
As an optional extra, instead of going over the bridge towards the tea room, take the path on your right to walk towards Kellet Lake and Penners Pool, a fishing area known locally as a great place to spot otters.
Step 7
Continue alongside the canal until you reach a derelict building and a fork in the path.
Step 8
Take the right-hand path into the woodland to take you up and over the former quarry.
Step 9
Exit the woodland on your left-hand side over a signposted stile to enter a large field.
Step 10
Cross the field diagonally to the right towards the farmhouse in the right-hand corner.
Step 11
Go through the small opening into a horse’s field.
Step 12
Go straight across the field exiting via the stile opposite you.
Step 13
Follow the path to the left towards the road.
Exit the field at the footpath sign via a stile onto the road.
Step 14
Turn left at the road, passing a farmhouse and old cottages.
Step 15
When you enter the village of Borwick, at the phone box, turn left to pass the side entrance of Borwick Hall, a former Tudor Manor house now home to Lancashire County Council’s Outdoor Education Centre.
Step 16
Continue past the Borwick Hall Estate cottages before crossing the canal bridge.
Step 17
Turn left after the bridge to re-join the Towpath Trail.
Step 18
Turn left on to the Towpath Trail to return to your car at Longlands Hotel.
Step 19
Optional extra:
To visit Tewitfield Locks before returning to Longlands Hotel, take the footpath under the A6070 adjacent to the M6. The canal will appear again on your right and the series of locks (8 in total) ahead of you.
