Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail

The Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership co-ordinates the Towpath Trail initiative which aims to create an accessible blue green corridor to connect Kendal and Lancaster via surface enhancements, improved entry and exit points, and regeneration projects along key sections.

To date, the Regeneration Partnership has secured £1.8 million to support these objectives and, after productive negotiations with landowners, is close to securing further funding for surface enhancements on the Kendal to Stainton section of the trail. Community Infrastructure Levy funding has been secured for the Holme to Burton section, subject to funding agreements.

The shared goal of the regeneration partners is to replicate and bring the numerous investments benefits, now evident in the Cumbrian section, to Lancashire.

The Towpath Trail section within Lancashire which requires investment is approximately 8km long, starting at Burton-in-Kendal and finishing
north of Carnforth. Surface improvements in Carnforth have been completed but need reviewing to ensure they replicate the standard set in the northern part of the Towpath Trail.

Helen Watson-Moriarty of Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership CIC said “The key improvements include widening the existing footpath to at least 2metres, 2.5metres where possible. This increased width would enable two wheelchairs to pass and/or travel side by side. The surface would be improved to ensure the Towpath Trail is accessible year-round, whatever the weather. In Cumbria we’ve used limestone and slate to create level access throughout the year.”

The Lancashire section of the Towpath Trail is close to numerous Tourism businesses who would benefit from the ability to promote the Towpath Trail as an additional ‘thing to do’ in the area, retaining visitor spend within Lancashire.

Tourism business in Lancashire can maximise the proposed regeneration of the Towpath Trail in their area initially by supporting the partnership to secure the funds to make it happen.

Helen suggests “Businesses can write to their local Councillors to express their support for positive change and investment. Once funding is secured and the improvements are in place, Tourism Businesses can direct guests to the Towpath Trail to enjoy a day out, they can include copies of the Towpath Trail ‘Walk It’ guide in guest welcome packs and they can collaborate with us on social media to highlight loop routes from their doorstep.”

The Towpath Trail and wider Lancaster Canal is loved by local communities which is reflected in the success of their social media (@lancastercanaltowpathtrail) accounts. During December 2025 they launched a campaign via a series of short reels to find out if further improvements in Kendal would be welcomed. The campaign generated the following results;

99% of comments were positive
157,000 people watched the reels
4000 likes and comments were recorded

Speaking about the economic benefits Helen concluded “Creating year-round access to the Towpath Trail enables visitors to Lancashire an additional option to spend their time and money in the county. The desirability of the area will increase for disabled visitors who will appreciate level access, creating a viable ‘purple pound’ pull factor for the area. In Cumbria, the honesty cake shop is reaping the benefits of a 300% increase in footfall and we are working with nearby businesses to increase access and signage from the Towpath Trail to ensure users have regular refreshment options.”

For more information regarding the ambition and opportunities of the Towpath Trail initiative, please contact [email protected] or visit www.lancastercanaltowpathtrail.co.uk