Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Monday 22nd March 2010

Cycling along the Lancaster Canal

The towpath of the Lancaster Canal provides an attractive cycle route around the east side of Lancaster city centre, avoiding the busy main road network. The surface of the towpath has been recently upgraded with a tarmac surface making for a smooth and easy ride. There is also a new path linking the Ridge Estate with the canal and Caton Road – great news for shoppers and commuters.

Cycle north out of the city over the 61 foot high Lune Aqueduct, one of the wonders of the canal age, to the town of Carnforth. This is the gateway to the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and film-lovers will be interested to know that it was also where the classic, 'Close Encounter' was filmed.

Along the way there are pretty canal villages, such as Hest Bank and Bolton-le-Sands, to stop off at and enjoy views over Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Hills. Between Hammerton Hall Lane and Carnforth, the canal towpath forms part of the National Cycle Route 6 from Lancaster to Kendal.

The following lengths of the canal are open to cyclists:

  • Preston terminus (Ashton Basin) to Cottam Hall (Bridge 17) (3.1km): You can join the path at Ashton Basin, Tulketh Brow or the access ramp in Haslam Park. Exit at Cottam Hall Bridge.
  • Haverbreaks, Lancaster, to Carnforth: Join the path from A6 Beaumont Bridge right through the city centre. Exit below Haverbreaks Bridge.
  • Canal Basin to Bridge 129 at Hodgeson's (0.6km): Access to the towpath from the A6, opposite Nu Way Acorn Marina. Bridge 129 Hodgson Bridge to Nu Way Acorn Marina is 1km.

Due to resurfacing and improvement works on the towpath, it is now possible to cycle in one continuous section through Lancaster to Carnforth.

Before cycling, you should download a permit which you can print out and affix to your bike.

Our towpath maintenance plan means we cut the hedges regularly. Please be aware that hedge trimmings can cause punctures. We recommend that you consider plastic tyre inserts to avoid this happening.

cyclepoint@btconnect.com].

Find more news and information on cycling in the Lancaster area with Celebrating Cyling.

Towpath Stoppages

20 Sep 2007 until further notice

Advice: Bridge 166, Crooklands

Associated Regional Office: BW North-West

Towpath has been closed

UPDATE (26 October 2009): As the bridge has been repeatedly struck by vehicles we have taken the decision to close the towpath under the bridge for the safety of towpath users.

Customers are requested to find an alternative route.

British Waterways apologises for any inconvenience caused.


A vehicle has struck bridge 166. As the bridge has been repeatedly struck by vehicles we have taken the decision to close the towpath under the bridge for the safety of towpath users.

Customers are requested to find an alternative route.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

(Enquiries: 01942 405700)