How long is lancaster canal

From the late 18th century, increasing industry in Lancashire created the need for better transport links between Lancaster and Preston, Manchester and Liverpool.

Robert Whitworth completed the original surveys in , with subsequent efforts by various canal engineers of the day. In John Rennie Snr surveyed the route between Kendal and Westhoughton, and was appointed engineer for the project. He chose to follow the topography so that only eight locks would be needed, and intended that aqueducts should convey the canal over all the rivers.

The initial task was to construct the impressive masonry aqueduct over the River Lune at Lancaster. It has five semi-circular arches of Imported Italian pozzolana was used in the concrete pier foundations and double-shift working enabled the structure to be completed in only two years , supervised by William Cartwright.

The broad canal has a trapezoidal section and is lined with puddled clay. It was designed to accommodate boats 4. At its peak, the canal carried , tonnes of freight a year. Henry Eastman was resident engineer for these works.

Lack of funds dictated that the River Ribble was crossed by a tramway carried on a timber trestle bridge instead of the stone aqueduct proposed by Rennie and William Jessop.

The 8km long tramway included the first powered incline in Britain, and extended to Walton Summit where the canal resumed the route to Westhoughton. News Liverpool Restoration Showcase Restoration. The Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal are derelict and still to be restored, including a further 8 locks.

The canal was built to link Manchester, Preston and Lancaster but the short stretch connecting Preston and Chorley was never finished. At present, the northern reaches of the canal from Tewitfield to Kendal are derelict with restoration proposed, and a short section of the canal in Preston is also derelict. There is a branch to Glasson plus a tidal sea lock, and the Ribble Link joins the main line 1. However the southern part of this section is beset by main road blockages particularly the M6 , while proposals to reinstate the Kendal terminus have struggled with planning issues.

The First Furlong aims to ensure that there is visible physical progress, and to extend the current tripboat operation once the nearby Stainton Aqueduct damaged in the winter floods is repaired.

Hundreds of miles of waterways — along with their unique heritage and habitats — are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future. The advantages of the proposed waterways far exceed leisure boating alone. They incorporate a nature reserve, footpaths and cycle ways, the potential to improve flora and fauna and will contribute to the health and wellbeing of locals and visitors.

Help protect and restore the waterways you love. Together we can protect and restore the waterways; Britain's 7, miles of canals and navigable rivers need your help. Things to do nearby. Ashton Basin to Tewitfield The canal was built to link Manchester, Preston and Lancaster but the short stretch connecting Preston and Chorley was never finished. Lancaster Canal — Northern Reaches Restoration.

Facilities Other Outdoor. What's Nearby. What's Nearby Map Link. Operating year round cruises along the beautiful Lancaster Canal. During the peak season…. A wonderful, traditional street market in Dalton Square, held every Wednesday and…. A literature development agency that organise Lancashire's annual literature festival.

Lancaster Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Lancaster, home to Catholics…. Discover more about Lancaster's past from the Romans to the present day and trace the….

The Storey Institute has been remodelled as a newly designed centre for the creative…. Theatre and event tickets, gifts, books, artwork, souvenirs, bus and coach reservations…. The Gallery at the Storey hosts an exciting exhibitions programme featuring a range of…. Cultural centre and theatre in Lancaster screening a wide range of films and own produced…. A self guided driving tour between Lancaster and Pendle, visiting places of significance….

The Cottage Museum offers an intimate glimpse of early Victorian life in this tiny and…. Experience Lancaster Castles chilling cells and hollow corridors with this immersive app…. Steeped in almost years of history including the trials of the Pendle Witches and….