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    Cast your minds back to October, when we shared an Cast your minds back to October, when we shared an update about exploring options to improve access at Hincaster Tunnel.

Thanks to funding and support from Westmorland & Furness Council and the Lancaster Canal Trust, we’ve been working with Kendal-based heritage experts @crosbygrangerarchitects to look at practical solutions for this 346-metre-long, Grade II listed tunnel – which is currently inaccessible.

Last week, we were pleased to present to the Westmorland & Furness Council Locality Board, sharing the findings from our feasibility study to showcase accessible options through the tunnel.

The tunnel has been out of public use for decades, and the current alternative route over the top (the old horse path) simply isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, buggies, or many less-confident walkers. This study sets out a realistic way to change that, with an approach that respects the tunnel’s heritage while helping to make the Towpath Trail more welcoming for everyone.

The preferred design concept is a “Roman Road” style path which is permeable, utilises the full-width of the tunnel and provides drainage too. The tunnel belongs to @canalandrivertrust and we're delighted to be working with them to develop this project further via Ecological Surveys and 2nd Stage design options. 

We fully agree with local residents who have said;
"The old canal is a wonderful environment and any access improvements to allow more people to enjoy it should be encouraged and applauded"

"It would enable those who can’t walk up the hill beside the tunnel- the old horse path, to continue a very pleasant wall"

Our next steps are to move from “possible” to “ready”: securing development funding, carrying out a structural survey, progressing the required permissions and taking on board the ecological study recommendations to create a wildlife haven in the surrounding area - all whilst continuing to listen to local residents and work alongside our amazing partners.

#WhatsOnKendal #LancasterCanal #LancasterCanalTowpathTrail
    Remember our Kendal to Stainton Campaign at the en Remember our Kendal to Stainton Campaign at the end of last year? Well we've been beavering away behind the scenes to create a report to share with local decision makers in the coming weeks.

We wanted to share a few key stats with you from the campaign...

📈 Over the 2 week period in December we had over 157,000 views and 4000 likes on our campaign videos.

👍Of all the comments we received, 99% were clearly positive.

👨‍🦽 The strongest theme from the comments was access and inclusion, particularly for wheelchair users and people with mobility needs. Support from cyclists, runners, horse riders, parents with buggies, and those who value the wellbeing benefits of a route that stays usable year round was also evident.

This information is invaluable for presenting to decision makers and demonstrating a clear desire from the local community for these improvements. Thank you again for all of your support and watch this space for further updates from us in the coming months.

#LancasterCanalTowpathTrail #LancasterCanal #Kendal
    If you frequently walk along the Towpath Trail in If you frequently walk along the Towpath Trail in Kendal - you'll probably have seen the Wheels for All Kendal gang out enjoying some accessible cycling.

Wheels for All is all about making cycling possible and enjoyable – for children and adults with disabilities or differing needs. Think adapted bikes, trikes and side-by-side cycles, a friendly team of staff and volunteers, and a safe space where everyone can join in at their own pace.

They meet twice monthly at📍Kendal Leisure Centre - you can come along as an individual, with family or in a group - everyone’s welcome. It’s a brilliant way to boost confidence, get moving and enjoy time outdoors together.

2nd Saturday of the month 10am - 1pm
4th Saturday of the month 10am - 1pm

Follow the Wheels for All Kendal Facebook page for session times and to find out more about their supported bike rides across Kendal and beyond!

Stuart Lockton | stuart.lockton@wheelsforall.org.uk

#WheelsForAll #CyclingUK #TrafficFreeCycling
    If you're ever feeling short of things to do - our If you're ever feeling short of things to do - our Canals and Towpaths offer some amazing low cost (often free!) activities throughout the year.

If you haven't already, you should check out the @canalrivertrust blog for inspiration!

We've been loving their New Year release... "26 things to see and do in 2026!" From wildlife spotting to paddleboarding, our canals and rivers offer an abundance of things to see and do. What will you discover in 2026?

📸 Canal & River Trust

#LancasterCanal #WhatsOnCumbria #WhatsOnLancashire
    Fancy a walk that feels a world away but is right Fancy a walk that feels a world away but is right on the edge of Lancaster City Centre?

Our Leafy Lancaster Loop Walk is a peaceful and beautiful walk! This 4.7 mile circular route explores the brilliant Aldcliffe Community Garden, Fairfield Association Nature Reserve and Community Orchard before finding your way through Freemans Woods and onto the marshes of the River Lune, home to rare trees protected by Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Loop back to the Towpath Trail via the village of Aldcliffe and enjoy sweeping views and surprising stillness.
It’s a perfect option if you want a nature fix without straying far from home - or if you’re visiting Lancaster and fancy a tranquil escape just moments from the hustle and bustle.

🌾 Approx. 4.7 miles / easy circular
🅿️ Parking at Nelson Street Car Park - Lancaster
☕ Nearby pitstops for food and drink in town
📍 View the route and download the map on our website "Walk It" page via the link in our bio.

#LancasterCanal #LancashireWalks #CanalWalks
    We believe in the power of collaboration for the b We believe in the power of collaboration for the better of our community which is why today we're shining a spotlight on our friends over at Sizergh @ntlakedistrict and all things access!

General Manager Dan Taylor showed us the fabulous Holeslack Access Trail. An accessible circular route that gives you a real flavour of the Sizergh estate, from ancient woodlands and traditional Westmorland orchards to historic farm buildings and parklands.

Then we chatted about future plans - the team are always looking for ways to make access to their estate, house and gardens more accessible and a dream they have is to install ramp access to the first floor of Sizergh Castle 😍

Wouldn't this be amazing?!

#accessibletourism #wheelchairaccessible #wheelchairfriendly
    On these cold wintery days, getting out for a walk On these cold wintery days, getting out for a walk or a wheel can take a bit of extra motivation! We've put together a few of our favourite things to keep your eyes peeled for on your winter walks along the canal.

❄️ Frozen puddles & icy patterns – Thin sheets of ice on puddles and along the canal edges can create beautiful swirling patterns. Great for little explorers (and grown-ups!) to spot, snap and sketch.
 
🦊Red foxes - This month is red fox mating season! So if you're out walking around sunset you may hear vixens calling out for a mate. Foxes are most active at dawn and dusk, and you can find them in both rural woodland areas and urban environments, so keep a look out for them if you're on an early morning walk.

🦢 Winter waterbirds – Look out for swans, coots and mallards gliding along the quieter winter canal. With fewer leaves on the trees you can often spot them more easily, especially in those calm, glassy reflections.

🐦 Robins & winter songbirds – Robins are famously bold, so don’t be surprised if one joins you on your walk, hopping along the towpath or perching on a fence post. You might also spot long-tailed tits flitting through the hedgerows in little family groups.

🌫 Mist over the water – On really cold mornings you might see a veil of mist rising from the canal. Paired with the low winter sun, it can make even a familiar stretch of towpath feel a little bit magical.

Need a little inspiration? Check out all our loop walks for the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail on our website "Walk It" page!

#WinterWalks #LancasterCanal #WhatsOnCumbria
    Fancy a winter walk with a difference? Join Nigel Fancy a winter walk with a difference? Join Nigel Hardacre for a a guided heritage walk on Saturday 31 January 2026 for the Lancaster Canal Gunpowder Walk (Crooklands)

Explore canal history, the old tramway route and the fascinating gunpowder-making past of Gatebeck!
Led by Nigel Hardacre - a canal and rail heritage enthusiast who turns his research (books, online archives and historic photos) into guided circular walks. Nigel’s routes explore the far ends of the Lancaster Canal, including lesser-known stretches, bringing the past to life as you go. Outdoors time is his perfect antidote to a screen-heavy day job.

Distance: 3.3 miles (approx. 2.5 hours)
Difficulty: Medium (undulating and a bit more demanding than Nigel’s other canal routes) – good walking shoes/boots essential
Meet point: Old stable block at Crooklands Wharf/landing stage (next to Bridge 166), LA7 7NW
Time: Arrive at 9.45am for a 10.00am prompt start

Well-behaved dogs welcome (mostly on lead/under close control)

Limited spaces are available and must be booked (deadline 8pm on 30th January 2026) email nigel.hardacre@waterways.org.uk to secure your place.

#LancasterCanal #WhatsOnCumbria #WhatsOnKendal

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