Previously we described a walk from Lancaster using the canal for the first part of its route.

 

Map by kind permission of the Blackpool Gazette

This week's walk uses the canal for the whole route more or less. Now that the days are longer it is possible to be more ambitious in deciding on routes. The Lancaster Canal, navigable between Tewitfield in the north of the county and Preston is an ideal way of undertaking a long walk with few complications.

To begin with wayfinding is straightforward. Secondly the walking is easy as the waterway follows the contours of the land and so is completely level. Finally it is easily accessed by public transport. The only question that remains is what distance do you wish to walk?

It is quite feasible for the averagely fit walker to consider walking from Lancaster to Preston - a distance of thirty miles.

Walking pace varies from person to person but most people walk 100 metres in about a minute and a half. Do the math - this means it takes 15 minutes to walk 1000 metres or one kilometre - a pace of 4k an hour which translates into approximately 2 1/2 miles per hour. This is the rough measure we use when we calculate time for walks published here.

Returning to walking the canal between Lancaster and Preston which is 30 miles you would need to allow 12 hours at normal walking pace. However because its flat and no time is lost in checking the map it would be reasonably possible to walk at a pace of 5k per hour 3 miles an hour giving a time of 10 hours to complete the walk. So a 8.00am start in Lancaster would result in a 6.00pm finish in Preston. Add an hour for rests and meals 7.00pm. This is a long day but well within the hours of daylight this time of year.

However we recognise that for the average walker a more manageable distance is desirable and so suggest a starting point at Bilsborrow close to the well known leisure complex of Guy's Court. It may surprise readers that this is still 11 miles from the basin in Preston. By road Bilsborrow is 6 miles from Preston centre. The explanation for the difference is that the canal makes a wide loop onto the edge of the Flyde as it leaves Preston at Haslam Park.

Start 1: Lancaster Railway station: If you are determined to attempt to long walk - 30 miles - then you'll need the earliest possible start. We suggest taking the train from Preston - a ridiculously short journey of less than 20 minutes. From Lancaster Station the canal can be reached by walking down Meeting House Lane to the city centre and turning right along the one way system on King Street. In 500m turn right into Aldcliffe Road. The canal is on your right. Follow it for the next thirty miles . It is as simple as that!

Fact file: Distance: 30 miles 50k
                Time: 10 - 12 hours
                Summary: Easy tow path walking but demanding of considerable stamina.
                Maps: OS Explorer 296 Lancaster, Morecambe & Fleetwood + OS Explorer 286 Blackpool & Preston
            

Start 2: Bilsborrow. From Preston bus station take the 40 or 41 bus which depart with reasonable frequency to Lancaster. Alight at the Roebuck, Bilsborrow.  At this point the canal and the A6 are very close. To access it just walk back a few yards to St Michael's Road and turn right. Cross the bridge and drop down to the tow-path. With the water on your left follow it for the next 11 miles.

Fact file: Distance 20k 12 miles
               Time: 5 - 6 hours
                 Summary: Easy tow path walking less demanding that walking from Lancaster!
                 Map: OS Explorer 286 Blackpool & Preston

Finish: The waterway takes you to the Ashton Basin close to Preston's city centre. After bridge 11 (at Bilsborrow you joined the canal at Bridge 44 and at Lancaster 97) the terminus of the canal is reached. A flight of steps takes you down to a small park area on Aqueduct Street. Turn right for Fylde Road from where a frequent bus service will take you to the city centre.