This 3.7-mile walk between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District follows the abandoned Northern Reaches canal before returning along the bustling River Kent <\/p>

This is a canal-side walk with a difference, in that it follows a waterway with no water. The Northern Reaches of the Lancaster Canal were abandoned in 1956, but the old towpath remains, tracing the route of the empty channel near Kendal.<\/p>\n

With views of the Lakeland fells in the distance, the route passes under several humpback bridges and crosses an aqueduct, all left high and dry by the cessation of traffic. The second half of the walk more than makes up for the lack of water in the canal though as it accompanies the tumultuous River Kent downstream, in and out of woodland.<\/p>\n

Britain\u2019s most beautiful river walks<\/h4>\n
Explore Britain\u2019s tranquil waterways by taking a stroll along one of our favourite riverside trails<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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Sedgwick and the Northern Reaches walk<\/h2>\n
3.7 miles\/6km | 2 hours | easy | 54m ascent<\/em><\/p>\n
1. Sedgwick Aqueduct<\/h4>\n
Turn left at the top of the steps on the western side of Sedgwick\u2019s aqueduct, built in 1819 as part of the Lancaster Canal linking Preston with Kendal.<\/p>\n
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 encountered. The now dry ditch that once contained the canal \u2013 used to carry gunpowder, coal and limestone \u2013 is evident as the path enters woodland.<\/p>\n
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5. Sedgwick House<\/h4>\n
Go left again at the T-junction. Immediately after the bridge, take the footpath signposted to Stainton. As you head uphill through the meadow, the building to the left is Sedgwick House, built in 1868.<\/p>\n
After crossing a lane, continue uphill to another bridge.<\/p>\n

6. Sedgwick<\/h4>\n
Pass under this to join the towpath beside the disused waterway, here a damp ditch maintained as a nature reserve. To return to Sedgwick, descend the steps after the aqueduct.<\/p>\n

Useful information<\/h3>\n

Starting point<\/h4>\n
Aqueduct on Back Lane, Sedgwick (SD513 870). Park considerately in 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.<\/p>\n

Terrain<\/h4>\n
Disused canal towpath, fields, quiet roads, riverside path, woodland. Several stiles and kissing-gates.<\/p>\n

Map<\/h4>\n
OS Explorer OL7<\/p>\n

Eat\/drink<\/h4>\n
Low Sizergh Barn<\/a> farm shop and caf\u00e9, 800m off route.<\/p>\n

Sedgwick and the Northern Reaches walk<\/h2>\n
3.7 miles\/6km | 2 hours | easy | 54m ascent<\/em><\/p>\n

2. Larkrigg Hall Bridge<\/h4>\n
Beyond the trees, the towpath accompanies the green-bottomed \u2018canal\u2019 under Larkrigg Hall Bridge. It then crosses a farm track and continues to the right of field boundaries.<\/p>\n

Sedgwick and the Northern Reaches walk<\/h2>\n3.7 miles\/6km | 2 hours | easy | 54m ascent<\/em><\/p>\n

2. Larkrigg Hall Bridge<\/h4>\nBeyond the trees, the towpath accompanies the green-bottomed \u2018canal\u2019 under Larkrigg Hall Bridge. It then crosses a farm track and continues to the right of field boundaries.<\/p>\n

3. Crowpark Bridge<\/h4>\nSoon 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 (Hawes Bridge), climb the stile on the left to begin your riverside journey.<\/p>\n

4. River Kent<\/h4>\nTurn 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.<\/p>\n

5. Sedgwick House<\/h4>\nGo left again at the T-junction. Immediately after the bridge, take the footpath signposted to Stainton. As you head uphill through the meadow, the building to the left is Sedgwick House, built in 1868.<\/p>\nAfter crossing a lane, continue uphill to another bridge.<\/p>\n

6. Sedgwick<\/h4>\nPass under this to join the towpath beside the disused waterway, here a damp ditch maintained as a nature reserve. To return to Sedgwick, descend the steps after the aqueduct.<\/p>\n

Useful information<\/h3>\n

Starting point<\/h4>\nAqueduct on Back Lane, Sedgwick (SD513 870). Park considerately in 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.<\/p>\n

Terrain<\/h4>\nDisused canal towpath, fields, quiet roads, riverside path, woodland. Several stiles and kissing-gates.<\/p>\n

Map<\/h4>\nOS Explorer OL7<\/p>\n