AN UPDATED guide to the historic, picturesque Lancaster Canal has been published.

 

The 92-page book, launched by the Lancaster Canal Trust, is described as a treasure trove of information, maps and pictures that will appeal to boaters, walkers, cyclists and "anyone who simply enjoys messing about by the water".

 

The guide covers the waterway's history, engineering and ecology, and charts its journey from the Ribble Link at Preston to the unnavigable Northern Reaches above Tewitfield, near Carnforth, that were cut off by the M6 motorway in the 1960s.

 

Editor John Laws said: "This sixth edition is a much expanded and updated version of the previous guides. In 2019 the Lancaster Canal will be particularly in the spotlight as everyone celebrates its 200th anniversary. We are expecting boaters and tourists from all over the country to join with us in marking the incredible achievement of its completion from Preston to Kendal."

 

He added: "Much has happened since the last version of the guide five years ago. The towpath from Canal Head in Kendal to Natland is due to be developed as a towpath walking trail. The canal has been crossed by the new Bay Gateway link road at Milestone Bridge, near Lancaster, and the guide also features a new section on coke ovens, similar to lime kilns, that once proliferated along the canal in its working heyday."

 

The guide is available from local bookshops and tourist information centres or via https://www.lctrust.co.uk/