NORTH WEST
08 Sedgwick, Cumbria
Distance: 3.7 miles/6km | Time: 2 hours | Grade: Easy | Total ascent: 54m
This canal-side walk is different, in that it follows a waterway with no water. The Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal were abandoned in 1956 to make way for roads, but the old towpath remains, tracing the route of the empty channel near Kendal.
With views of the Lake District fells in the distance, the route passes under several humpback bridges and crosses an aqueduct, all left high and dry by the cessation of boat traffic. The second half of the walk more than makes up for the lack of water in the canal, as it accompanies the tumultuous River Kent downstream, in and out of woodland.
1. START
Turn left at the top of the steps on the western side of Sedgwick’s aqueduct, built in 1819 as part of the Lancaster Canal linking Preston with Kendal. Entering a field, walk beside the fence on the left. After a kissing- gate, the route passes under Horse Park Bridge, the first of several redundant bridges. The now-dry ditch that once held the canal – used to carry gunpowder, coal and limestone – is evident as the path enters woodland.
2. 0.7 MILES
Beyond the trees, the towpath accompanies the green-bottomed ‘canal’ under Larkrigg Hall Bridge. It then crosses a farm track and continues to the right of field boundaries.
3. 1.4 MILES
Soon after passing beneath Crowpark Bridge, go through the kissing gate to the left and turn right along the lane. Just before the bridge over the River Kent, climb the stile on the left to begin your riverside journey. The wooded embankment gives way to open ground, offering a good chance to spot herons and dippers on the water. The river is then forced through a narrow gorge, where birdsong in the woods is drowned out by the water’s noise. Because of its significant drop in height over a short distance, the Kent, which rises in the Lakeland fells, is one of England’s fastest-flowing rivers, a feature that made it ideal for powering mills.
4. 2.3 MILES
Turn right at a junction with a broader path and then use the footbridge on the far side of the next field to cross the river. Go left along the lane.
5. 3 MILES
Go left again at the T-junction. Cross the bridge to follow the footpath signposted to Stainton. Head uphill through the meadow. Sedgwick House, built in 1868, is on the left. After crossing a lane, continue uphill to another bridge.
6. 3.4 MILES
Pass under this to join the towpath beside the disused waterway; here a damp ditch is kept as a nature reserve. To return to Sedgwick, descend the steps after the aqueduct.
USEFUL INFO
Starting point
The aqueduct on Back Lane, Sedgwick (SD513 870). Park considerately in the village or catch the 555 bus (Stagecoach) from Kendal to the A591/ A590 roundabout at Brettargh Holt and then walk 200m to join the route at waypoint 5.
Terrain
Disused canal towpath, fields, quiet roads, riverside path, woodland. Several stiles and kissing gates.
Map
OS Explorer OL7
Eat/drink
Low Sizergh Barn farm shop and café is 800m off route. lowsizerghbarn.co.uk
Stay
Low Sizergh Barn has a campsite with pods. lowsizerghbarn.co.uk
Alternatively, try the Hare and Hounds in nearby Levens. 01539 560 004, hareandhoundslevens.co.uk
