Wednesday 16th June

Leader John Jones

Photos taken by John Jones  and Matthew Scott

A pleasant walk on an overcast but muggy day along the route of the Lancaster Canal.

We parked near the top entrance to Levens Park, then walked on the route of the de-watered Lancaster Canal.  The first section has been obliterated by ploughing but we soon reached the Sedgewick Hall bridge (No177). There the canal channel is intact. We followed the tow path,  passing mile post N4-S23 to reach the Sedgwick Aqueduct, a beautifully constructed skew bridge.

Leaving Sedgewick, we reached the forlorn Horse Park bridge, in the middle of a field, but then we entered the magical Larkrigg Spring wood as the canal meanders to follow the contour of the land. After the wood, we passed Larkrigg Hall bridge and mile post N3-24, both in excellent condition, thanks to the private owners.

Finally we reached Crow Park bridge (No 181)  carrying the lane uphill to Natland. We continued downhill to Hause Bridge, which spans a narrow ravine on the river Kent. We followed the riverbank south for a short distance to an open area beside the river and took a break, watching the local Dippers. 

We continued beside the exceptionally low river to cross the suspension bridge at Wilson Place and then followed the lane back to the cars.

A very pleasant, leisurely 5 mile walk.

John Jones