Work is under way on a project to improve a four-mile stretch of towpath on the northern reaches of the Lancaster Canal and make it more accessible for residents and visitors. Lucy Wood reports…
THE Canal & River Trust worked with the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership and Westmorland and Furness Council to secure funding for the £1.1m project, which will form part of the new Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail between Kendal and Lancaster.
More than four miles of towpath from Field End Bridge 169, near Stainton, to just north of Holme Village will be enhanced by engineering contractor CPC Civils Group.
The works, due to be completed this month, will include widening and resurfacing the towpath using locally sourced self-binding gravel, which is designed to fit in with the rural environment, provide a hardwearing surface and reduce mud and puddles.
CRT’s North West director Jon Horsfall said: “This towpath upgrade project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make our canals more welcoming and attractive. This much-needed work will significantly improve the towpath’s usability, offering opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in active travel, walk, cycle and run, and take part in leisure activities.
“Spending time by the water is a fantastic way to improve your well-being. We are committed to keeping our canals and towpaths open and alive so people can feel the benefits, and the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail is a great example of the difference our canals can make to local communities.”
The project is funded by Westmorland and Furness Council, through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund, as well as legacy grant funding from Cumbria County Council and South Lakeland District Council, and it is being driven by the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership. The works have been planned and co-ordinated by the CRT.
Coun Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “An important part of our vision for Westmorland and Furness is supporting access to the outdoors and opportunities to live well and enjoy our wonderful surroundings. It was great to see for ourselves the progress being made on the beautiful Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, keeping its storied heritage alive and making it accessible for all to enjoy.
“We allocated £8.1 million from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity and Rural England Prosperity funds to 22 projects, focusing on boosting communities and place. It was fantastic to see first-hand the results of the grant to Canal & River Trust on a project which will deliver far-reaching benefits to our area.”
The Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, which aims to be fully accessible, will celebrate the heritage of the canal and follow the original towpath, in both the watered and unwatered sections, to promote walking and cycling routes.
Helen Watson-Moriarty, from the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership, added: “The Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership was delighted to work alongside Canal & River Trust and Westmorland and Furness Council to secure this funding and become the delivery partner for the engagement and promotion aspects of the wider project.
“It is the perfect opportunity to launch the Towpath Trail brand and tell more people about the trail and the numerous well-being opportunities it provides. Everyone is welcome at the events we are delivering, and we encourage everyone to check out the recommended loop walks on the new Towpath Trail website.”
Several events have already been held to promote the new trail, including two Pie and Paddle sessions and the Crooklands ‘Canalathon,’ which saw competitors paddleboarding and either running or walking along the towpath to help raise funds towards the improvement works.
For further information, visit www.lancastercanaltowpathtrail.co.uk
