Lancaster Canal

The Lancaster Canal is a navigation waterway in North West England that runs from Preston to Carnforth through open farmland. The route stretches about 42 kilometers across the landscape between the Pennine Hills to the east and Morecambe Bay to the west.

The canal was established in 1793 by an Act of Parliament to transport coal from Wigan at lower prices to Preston and North Lancashire. The waterway became a vital link for industrial goods during the region's rapid growth in the 1800s.

The canal takes its name from Lancaster, a port town that shaped the region's trade history. Visitors can see the classical stone bridges and aqueducts that still define the waterway's character today.

Boats can navigate the canal directly, but access to the wider English canal network requires passage through the Ribble Link system, which involves locks and tidal waters. The waterway is most easily navigated during the warmer months when water conditions are more settled.

The main section operates without any locks for its entire length, making it the longest stretch of lock-free canal in the country. This uncommon feature allows for uninterrupted, relaxed boating that is rare on other English waterways.

GPS coordinates: 54.06667,-2.80000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07