Garstang Canal

The Garstang/Lancaster Canal is the longest stretch of lock-free canal in the country, making it a popular destination for beginning and experienced canal boaters.

This canal, one of the most scenic in the country, stretches from Preston to Tewitfield, bypassing the Forest of Bowland and the Wyre countryside.

The canal was opened in 1826 and was nicknamed the “Black and White Canal’ because it was used to carry coal from the north and limestone from the south.

Garstang Canal offers a variety of activities including being a significant aspect of walking routes in the area such as the 5.3 kilometre Garstang and Lancaster Canal Circular Walk offered by the Wyre Borough Council.

This walk has an easy terrain that can be muddy at times as the path crosses farm fields. The route commences and ends at the Garstang Discovery Centre, along High Street, past Greenhalgh Castle ruins and the canal aqueduct and near the River Wyre. Other places of interest near the walking route include Pilling Pig Railway and the Wildgoose Wood Railway Cutting.

The council also offers a Garstang and Barnacre Circular Walk which calls into some of the same places as the canal walk. The Garstang and Barnarce walk is 5.1 kilometres long and is on easy terrain that is slightly uphill, crossing over some areas of farmland, which can be muddy.

The final walk offered by the council is the Greenhalgh Castle Walk which goes along the River Wyre, across fields, which can be muddy, and a past a disused railway line. The walk also involves the use of stiles and could be completed in under two hours. Nearby places of interest include Greenhalgh Castle and Farm and the Millennium Mosaic.

Other groups offering walks a-long the canal include the Countryside Rangers. In addition to walking, you can enjoy other activities on the canal such as boating.

The canal is navigable by boat for some 41 miles, winding through Lancashire’s countryside. Since the canal is lock-free, it is also a popular site for canoeing.

If you are in need of a place to moor up for a bit, you can try the Garstang Marina, which can accommodate moorings for 270 canal boats. On site facilities include electric points, showers and toilets, laundrette and a boat workshop.

There is an entire host of wildlife to be found in and around the Garstang canal including mallards and moorhens.

Pubs and eateries in Garstang along the canal include:

Crofters Hotel A6 Cabus PR3 1PH
The Crown High Street Garstang PR3 1FA
Th’Owd Tithe Barn The Wharf Church Street Garstang PR3 1PA
The Walled Garden Bistro Garstang Road Garstang PR3 5AA

Accommodation along the canal includes:

Admiral Cottage Hire Cabus Nook Lane PR3 1AA Contact directly for pricing.
Broadgate Farm Bleasdale Garstang PR3 1UR £35-40 per night, double en-suite Claylands Caravan Park Cabus PR3 1AJ Contact directly for pricing.
Crofters Hotel A6 Cabus PR3 1PH £35-55 per person, double en-suite
Royal Oak Hotel Marketplace Garstang PR3 1ZA £55 per night, double with breakfast
Smithy Leisure Park Winmarleigh PR3 1AA from £40 per week
Water Babies Narrow Boat Hire 14 Scholar’s Rise BL7 9BH from £500-1000 per week
Wharfe Cottage Holiday Park Winmarleigh PR3 1AA Contact directly for pricing.