Leaving the Lune for the coast

Friday, 05 June 2009 11:15

The grandeur of the Lune Aqueduct gives way to the beautiful Lancashire countryside. The Lancaster Canal weaves and winds its way to Hest Bank.

We began to feel the sea breeze on our faces - it felt so good and I remarked that the residents of this part of Lancashire "have everything". By that I mean they have the sea, the river and the canal all within a few miles of each other. John added - "and the railway" as it runs alongside either the coast, the river or the canal from Lancaster northwards.

We had glimpses of Morecambe Bay, particularly as we approached Hest Bank. We decided to moor for lunch we were enjoying it so much - there are moorings just before the hedge encroaches on the towpath at Hest Bank, so the sea was in the distance!

The permanent moorings at Hest Bank have the best views and prime position, whereas visiting boats need to moor before the services there! I suppose BW reckons that people would pay for the view! Shame the boats were all empty of people!

At Hest Bank the Bay is visible through the houses

There is a very attractive road down to the railway

The swing bridge at Hest Bank, Hatlex bridge, is the second of three we have encountered on the Lancaster Canal. John got off to open it: just a push opens it. I took Epiphany through and a very small narrowboat behind us also snuck through!

Looking back at Hatlex swing bridge

The Packet Boat Inn at Boulton Turnpike bridge was one of the stops for the passenger packet boats on the Lancaster Canal. From 1833 these boats provided a "fast" (less than 8 hours!) service between Preston and Kendal. Unfortunately the opening of the railway in 1846 saw the demise of the service.

The Packet Boat Inn - disused wharf would have had steps up to the Inn

Views approaching Carnforth are stunning, before the trees close in and the main road runs parallel to the canal.

Silverdale in the distance

Warton Crag

I loved this stone wall in one of the fields on the offside

So we came to Carnforth. We moored just before the sani-station after the pub! Just right, as we are very near the shops and not far from the railway station. Carnforth is an important railway junction - Barrow, Ravenglass, Preston, Manchester, Skipton,and Leeds!

The station also has another claim to fame, as Brief Encounter was filmed here. The town has cashed in on this with a visitor attraction. Explorations of the town and possibly countryside in the next few days, I think!

Andy the BW Ranger popped his head in the swan doors to welcome us – and to recommend visits to Warton Crag and beyond. His local knowledge is really helpful – thanks Andy!

To leave you with a smile on your face – we heard some tapping on the side of the boat and a voice said
 “It is metal, maybe steel”
 “No it's not?”
 “Is it a restoration, it looks very good?”
“Well, it looks new perhaps”.

  Two men wandered by the open swan doors, then another tap tap near the bows.
 “It's certainly metal, ask that lady inside”
 ”It must be metal look there is some rust”
 “What is it made of?”
 Me - “steel”
“How old is it”
 Me “two and a half years”
 “Oh it is not restored then?. Do you live on it?”
 Me - “yes”
 “It is very nice, it must be reet lovely to live there”
Me - “it is and thank you”

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