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Carnforth Canal Walk

4.5 miles (7.3 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Enjoy a stroll along the Lancaster Canal from Carnforth to Bolton-le-Sands on this easy. Along the way there's nice views towards Morecambe Bay and the mountains of the Lake District.
The walk starts just to the east of the town centre and train station. You can pick up the canal towpath on Kellet Road and follow it south west to Bolton-le-Sands. The large village has an old church with a tower dating from 1500. There's also a number of nice pubs where you can stop for refreshment at what is the halfway point of the walk.
After exploring the village the walk follows a mixture of country lanes and public footpaths back to Carnforth. This section takes you through the countryside around Mount Pleasant, where you can enjoy great views to the coast from the elevated position.
The Lancashire Coastal Way passes through the town and is a great way of continuing your walking in the area. You could follow the long distance path north and visit Warton Crag in the Arnside and Silverdale AONB. The nature reserve has another great viewpoint and also includes lots of interesting flora and fauna. Leighton Moss Nature Reserve can be found in this area too.
Heading south along the trail will take you along Morecambe Bay to the town of Morecambe.
The Lunesdale Walk also starts in Carnforth. The long distance trail explores the woodland, countryside and hills surrounding the town.

Carnforth Canal Walk OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Carnforth Canal Walk Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Carnforth

Pubs/Cafes

At the end of the walk you could enjoy some refreshments at The Royal Hotel in Bolton-le-Sands. The inn is located in a fine spot next to the canal so you can enjoy your meal in the nice garden area by the water. They serve good quality food and can be found at postcode LA5 8DQ for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head north along the canal from the town and you can visit the Tewitfield Canal Locks. It's a very picturesque area with an attractive modern marina and series of locks and weirs.
If you head a few miles inland you can explore the superb limestone pavement at Hutton Roof Crags and Farleton Fell. Near here there's the remote and pretty village of Barbon where you can try the Barbon Beck Barbondale Walk. The little village includes a noteworthy 17th century pub as well.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Lancashire Walks page.

Photos

Lancaster Canal - geograph.org.uk - 1654274

Lancaster Canal at Carnforth Marina

Tranquility - geograph.org.uk - 35920

Tranquility. On the Lancaster Canal at Barkers Bridge, where road, rail and canal run side by side.

Chorley's Bridge, Bolton-le-Sands

Chorley's Bridge, Bolton-le-Sands

Blue Anchor, Main Road, Bolton-le-Sands - geograph.org.uk - 835555

Blue Anchor, Main Road, Bolton-le-Sands

Bolton-le-Sands, canal - geograph.org.uk - 2956941

View from Turnpike Bridge, Bolton-le-Sands

Bolton Cinder Ovens Bridge on the Lancaster Canal - geograph.org.uk - 3089120

Bolton Cinder Ovens Bridge on the Lancaster Canal

GPS Files

GPX File

Carnforth Canal Walk.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Carnforth Canal Walk.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)