A guide for boaters and visitors

The Lancaster Canal has long been known as the Black and White Canal, a name that reflects its historic cargoes of coal and limestone. Yet its role in the Lancashire cotton trade was just as significant. In the 18th and 19th centuries, textile mills in Preston, Lancaster, and surrounding towns depended on the canal to bring in raw cotton and coal to power their steam engines, while finished cloth was carried out to wider markets. This waterway helped fuel Lancashire’s rise as the global centre of cotton production, linking rural resources with industrial demand.

As the age of railways and road transport took over, the canal’s commercial importance declined. But today, the Lancaster Canal has reinvented itself as a place of leisure and discovery. Boaters, walkers, and cyclists enjoy its lock‑free stretches, abundant wildlife, and historic landmarks such as the Lune Aqueduct.

It remains a living part of the North West’s waterways, connected to the wider UK network.

Lancaster Canal: Boating Facts

Before planning a trip along the Lancaster Canal adventure, here are some essential facts and useful boating information.

Canal Information

• Length: 41 miles
• Number of locks: Zero (on the main line)
• Built: 1826
• Start Point: Preston
• End Point: Kendal (though the northern section beyond Tewitfield is no longer navigable)

Maximum Boat Dimensions

• Length: 72 feet (22 meters)
• Beam: 14 feet (4.27 meters)
• Draught: 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 meters)

Observing these dimensions will ensure that your boat can safely travel the entire length of the Lancaster Canal.

The Best Places to Moor Near the Lancaster Canal

There are numerous spots along the Lancaster Canal for boaters looking for suitable places to moor.

One popular location among boaters is the Galgate Waterside Marina. 

It’s located directly on the scenic Lancaster Canal and provides easy access to Lancaster, Preston, and Blackpool, as well as the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. 

The marina features secure, well-lit jetties and 24-hour facilities, including showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, and on-site diesel. 

And if you’ve ever wanted to make Lancaster Canal a more permanent residence, Galgate features residential moorings that can offer you a legally recognised address.

Where the Lancaster Canal meets the sea you’ll find Glasson Waterside & Marina. This marina can be accessed by the Glasson Branch of the Lancaster canal and offers leisure moorings as well as marine services. You can enjoy views north across Morecambe Bay to the fells of the Lake District and south to Blackpool Tower.

Further afield, Fettlers Wharf Waterside & Marina is located on the Rufford Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal which is close to the Ribble Link that connects to the Lancaster Canal.

Best Things to Do on the Lancaster Canal

The Lancaster Canal offers visitors a wealth of attractions and activities, and there is no shortage of things to see and do here.

Lune Aqueduct Trail

This structure is often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" due to its impressive engineering. 

It carries the canal over the River Lune and provides an incredible walking route where you can get great views of the river below and the surrounding countryside. 

For history buffs, information boards along the way provide fascinating insights into its construction.

The Lancaster Walk

For keen walkers, you can have a self-guided tour through the historic city of Lancaster via the famous Lancaster Walk.

The route starts from the canal and winds through narrow streets, passing landmarks such as Lancaster Castle, the Priory Church, and the Maritime Museum. 

Garstang

If you’re looking for some retail therapy, the charming market town of Garstang is known for its independent shops and weekly market.

It was the world's first Fairtrade Town and is full of local artisan food producers. 

You can enjoy a pint in one of the traditional pubs or explore the town’s history, which is evident in its well-preserved architecture.

Bilsborrow

Bilsborrow is a picturesque village that offers a peek into rural Lancashire life. 

A popular spot is the Guys Thatched Hamlet, a collection of thatched buildings housing restaurants, bars, and shops. 

The village is also home to several farms where you can buy fresh, local produce or try activities like strawberry picking when in season.

Penny Street Basin

Located in the heart of Lancaster, the Penny Street Basin was once a busy inland port. 

It has since been beautifully restored, with cafes and shops occupying former warehouses, making it a bustling and popular spot for lunch or a waterside drink.

Wildlife Watching

The Lancaster Canal is a haven for wildlife and birds. Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers can see a range of different wildlife and bird species that call the canal home. 

The towpath between Bolton-le-Sands and Hest Bank is a particularly good spot for birdwatching and provides some nice views across Morecambe Bay.

History of the Lancaster Canal

The Lancaster Canal was constructed in the late 18th century, arising from the need to transport coal from Preston to Lancaster, and to carry limestone from Kendal to the industrial cities of Lancashire. 

This earned it the nickname "The Black and White Canal," thanks to its cargoes of coal and limestone. 

Canal construction began in 179,2 and the waterway was finally completed in 1826.

In a unique design feature, the canal was designed without any locks on its main line and follows the contours of the land to maintain a level waterway.

It played a crucial role in the region's industrial development, facilitating trade and supporting local industries.

However, as with most canals, the advent of railways and road transportation meant that its commercial importance declined. 

However, the Lancaster Canal is now a popular leisure waterway enjoyed by boaters, walkers, and cyclists who appreciate its calm beauty, abundant wildlife, and historic attractions.

Lancaster Canal FAQs

How Long is the Lancaster Canal?

The Lancaster Canal is 41 miles long from Preston to Tewitfield. The original northern section reaches Kendal but is no longer navigable due to the M6 motorway construction.

Where Does the Lancaster Canal Start and Finish?

The canal starts in Preston and officially ends at Tewitfield after being restored.

Can You Cycle the Lancaster Canal?

You can cycle along much of the Lancaster Canal towpath. The surface varies, with some sections more suitable for cycling than others. 

How Many Locks Are on the Lancaster Canal?

The main line of the Lancaster Canal is famous for having no locks at all. But, there are eight locks on the Glasson Branch, which connects the main canal to the sea at Glasson Dock.

Can You Walk the Length of the Lancaster Canal?

It’s possible to walk the entire length of the Lancaster Canal using the towpath, which offers a relatively flat, scenic route popular with walkers and hikers.

How Deep is the Lancaster Canal? 

The Lancaster Canal is relatively shallow, with an average depth of about 5 feet (1.5 meters).

Who Built the Lancaster Canal?

The Lancaster Canal was primarily designed by John Rennie, a famous civil engineer of the time. Several engineers, including William Crossley and Alexander Stevens, oversaw the construction.

Does the Lancaster Canal Connect to Other Canals?

The Lancaster Canal was originally an isolated waterway, but it is now connected to the rest of the UK canal network via the Ribble Link, which opened in 2002. 

This allows boats to travel freely between the Lancaster Canal and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

If you're looking for total freedom to explore the waterways, cruise along different canals, take in some countryside views and set off to a new town to soak up some culture our Explore 100 benefit might be for you. It allow moorers who stay with us on an annual basis to visit any of our other marinas for up to 100 nights at no extra cost. 

If you're interested in staying with us why not take a look at our marinas.