GLW1605: The Navigable Canal

Saturday 25th March 2016

It was a pleasant morning for a walk with Roger and Denise before Margaret had to resume Granny visiting duties.

A stretch of Lancaster Canal that none of us had previously explored was the most northerly section that is navigable, heading south from the Tewitfield Marina. We semi-cheekily parked the car at the Longlands Hotel and set off along the tow path. It was a nice spring day when the sun shone but cold when the clouds scuttled by. Fortunately there was more sun than cloud.

This stretch of canal is pleasant rather than remarkable and there is not really a lot to report. We crossed over at Capernwray and followed the east bank northwards until we came to a now unused short side branch.

Our path, across open fields with distant views to Wharton Scar and the Lakeland Hills, led us to Green Bank and a short stroll to Borwick.

This is a lovely small village, more of a hamlet really, full of old and well restored houses around a village green and overlooked by Borwick Hall. This dates back to the 13th Century although what you can see is mostly 15th and restored in the 20th century. It is now run as an outdoor education and conference centre by Lancashire County Council.

Next was another lovely old village- Priest Hutton. This also has what seems a grand old building but sadly is well screened by a massive wall and I have found no information about it.

Kirkgate Lane led us back to the canal and the rear entrance to the Marina. Having returned to the Longlands Hotel, we redeemed ourselves from our earlier cheekiness by tucking into excellent beer and sandwiches.

Don, Saturday 25th March 2016