Garstang - getting gradually towards Preston!

The Market Town of Garstang to Ward's House

We needed to go shopping this morning so walked into Garstang. But that is another blog! This one is about our journey as we continue ever southwards with a kink to the west and then to the east!

Wyre aqueduct  - our mooring for the night, is a single arch with the River Wyre passing below. It was designed by John Rennie.

Top of the aqueduct and mooringsWyre moorings

There are steep steps down to the River Wyre and a river path below.

From below the magnificence is obviousWyre aqueduct from below

Not far from Garstang is the ruin of Greenhalgh Castle, built in 1490 by the Earl of Derby, Thomas Stanley. It was dismantled in 1650 and much of its stone used for other buildings.

Greenhalgh Castle
ruinsGreenhalgh Castle

The canal goes over another aqueduct - Calder aqueductCalder aqueduct

Near Stubbins bridge (51) at Catterhall is a house that used to be the stables for the horses that pulled the Packet Boats (passenger boats that travelled from Preston to Kendal in the canal heyday).

Now it is obscured by a hedgeOls packet boat stables

Brock aqueduct is another "Rennie", it was first used in 1797Brock aqueduct

We stopped at Bilsborrow to use the sani-station on the off side. There were a lot of boats moored on the towpath side but not as busy as when we came up. It is a popular place as it is close to the A6 and has a bus service to Preston or Lancaster. Guy's Hamlet draws people because of the craft shop, pizzeria and tavern.

Owd Nells TavernTavern

One thing we have noticed along the Lancaster Canal and public footpaths as we have been exploring is the stiles! Well not exactly stiles more like gaps in the wall. They are not for those who are of wide proportions!

Here is an example by a bridge giving access to the towpathgap

Sometimes they have been tapered from the top and even I had to go through sideways! If you are short and "wide" it must be a real challenge!

These cows amused us they approached their drinking "hole" a line abreast
cows

Salwick Hall heralded the area where we hoped to moorSalwick Hall

There is piling along this stretch and we joined some familiar boats with this view over to our right! Narrowboats Reg, Saffron, Silver and Jay Bees all moored together. We presume they are going down the link in the next couple of days - as we are.

BNFL establishmentBFNL

Garstang to Wards House - 4 hours 57 minutes, 12.28 miles

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