railway station railway

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Desmond Family Canoe Trail 150 miles / 241km - 10 Community Hubs - 91 locks 91 - Hubs Community 10 - 241km / miles 150 Trail Canoe Family Desmond

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parking water point water lock

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proceeding.

Finish at Cooksons Bridge. Cooksons at Finish

 

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Wigan

past paddle and inland head to Start

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River Mersey. River

Burscough River sections are liable liable are sections River

café tunnel

factories as the trail runs parallel to the the to parallel runs trail the as factories

Bootle

Burscough

and warehouses past Continue  

sections of the Aire & Calder Navigation. Calder & Aire the of sections

water point water lock Leeds & Liverpool Canal Liverpool & Leeds

waterfront docks. waterfront

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Paddle past the Stanley Lock Flight, Flight, Lock Stanley the past  Paddle

 

experienced paddlers or groups of paddlers with with paddlers of groups or paddlers experienced M

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journey along the trail. the along journey

Castleford

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PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended that only more more only that recommended is It NOTE: PLEASE

railway bridge railway Goole

Park at Eldonian Village Hall and start your your start and Hall Village Eldonian at Park

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Castleford

A5098

Goole Description

swing bridge swing

and high walls. high and

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Dog-friendly community canal side pub side canal community Dog-friendly Burnley experience along the trail. trail. the along experience

6 6

navigation and river sections, large locks locks large sections, river and navigation

www.facebook.com/lockandquaybootle/ www.facebook.com/lockandquaybootle/ Blackburn & Calder Navigation offer a different different a offer Navigation Calder &

tunnel

Burnley

of challenges, combining both canalised canalised both combining challenges, of

Bootle Road, Irlam Quay, &  Lock  

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Blackburn

The Navigation brings its own unique set set unique own its brings Navigation The Seaforth

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Local Facilities Facilities Local

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Pennines in and Yorkshire. and Lancashire in Pennines

Aire & Calder Navigation Calder & Aire

of Goole and city of Leeds. of city and Goole of

Leeds 2 3

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goods and materials between the town town the between materials and goods

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textile industries as well as enjoying the the enjoying as well as industries textile

3 and Locks and approx. 100m walk. 100m approx.

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commercial waterway transporting transporting waterway commercial 4

Portages bridge swing 1 major role in the industrial revolution and and revolution industrial the in role major

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Litherland

The Aire & Calder Navigation is a a is Navigation Calder & Aire The

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villages, towns and cities that played a a played that cities and towns villages,

Time 1½ – 3 hours 3 – 1½ 5

Park boaters and paddlers alike. alike. paddlers and boaters Liverpool and Goole. Passing through through Passing Goole. and Liverpool

Distance 6 miles 6

Country Country

its bicentenary and is enjoyed by by enjoyed is and bicentenary its across the North of connecting connecting England of North the across

Gorsey Lane, Ford L21 0EJ L21 Ford Lane, Gorsey

Valley Valley

Liverpool and Leeds, recently celebrating celebrating recently Leeds, and Liverpool create a canoe trail stretching 162 miles miles 162 stretching trail canoe a create

Finish Cooksons Bridge pub, pub, Bridge Cooksons Rimrose Rimrose

way connecting the two major cities of of cities major two the connecting way Canal and Aire & Calder Navigation to to Navigation Calder & Aire and Canal

Skipton Liverpool L3 6LG L3 Liverpool

The Leeds Liverpool Canal wanders its its wanders Canal Liverpool Leeds The The trail combines the Leeds Liverpool Liverpool Leeds the combines trail The

Burlington Street, Street, Burlington

Skipton

Bingley 5-Rise Locks & 3-Rise Locks 3-Rise & Locks 5-Rise Bingley Start Eldonian Village Hall, Hall, Village Eldonian 5

prevailing wind direction and river flows. flows. river and direction wind prevailing

Bingley 5-Rise Locks & 3-Rise Locks 3-Rise & Locks 5-Rise Bingley 5 Foulridge Tunnel (1640yds) Tunnel Foulridge 4 West to East and is the recommended direction of travel considering considering travel of direction recommended the is and East to West

through various towns in Sefton. in towns various through

Foulridge Tunnel (1640yds) Tunnel Foulridge 4 Burnley Embankment Burnley This guide follows the development of the trail as it journeys from from journeys it as trail the of development the follows guide This 3

This is on the Leeds-Liverpool canal as it winds away from Liverpool Liverpool from away winds it as canal Leeds-Liverpool the on is This

Burnley Embankment Burnley 3 Gannow Tunnel (559yds) Tunnel Gannow 2

Gannow Tunnel (559yds) Tunnel Gannow 2 Wigan Lock Flight (23 locks) (23 Flight Lock Wigan 1

to Cooksons Bridge, Ford Bridge, Cooksons to

map not to scale to not map 1 Trail information Trail

Wigan Lock Flight (23 locks) (23 Flight Lock Wigan 1 Eldonian Village Hall, Vauxhall Hall, Village Eldonian map not to scale to not map

Licencing Safety Environmental Good Practice Map 1 It’s not just narrowboats and barges that need a licence on our Canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding can be fun, however, any The diverse natural environment of our canals and rivers is one of the waterways. All portable, unpowered craft such as canoes, kayaks, activity on water brings its own hazards and dangers, please ensure reasons they are such special places to canoe. Take to the water and dinghies, rowing boats, paddleboards and even light inflatable craft you have the correct equipment and level of experience for your you’ll get right up close to some of the country’s finest and rarest do too. planned tip. wildlife. The only exception is for current members of British Canoeing and Canoe Wales who Equipment Tunnels We want future generations of paddlers After your paddle get to use our waterways for free as part of their membership. to enjoy the same experience that you Eldonian Village Our waterways are home to many ALWAYS wear a Buoyancy Aid ensuring There are two tunnels along the trail, enjoy now. The ability to canoe along Our 2,000 miles of canals and rivers need a lot of TLC to keep them in great shape for invasive species and we need to stop a correct fit for everyone in the party, Gannow at 511m and Foulridge at 1 mile peaceful corridors of water, rich with everyone to use and enjoy – no matter the size of craft. As well as maintaining things them spreading wherever possible. When carry a mobile phone in a waterproof in length, all paddlers are required to flora and fauna. to Reedley Marina like canal walls or water flow, your licence fee goes towards making sure there are case as well as a whistle. wear a buoyancy aid, display a bright you’re out and about on the water your enough easy access points, ramps and slipways for example. white forward facing light and carry an We’re asking you to follow a few simple boat and clothing can pick up fragments Clothing alternative means of attracting attention steps to make sure that you don’t of plants and tiny creatures that we don’t Visit Canal & River Trust website to find out more information. Wear footwear you don’t mind getting with an airhorn recommended. When at accidentally disturb any waterway want in another stretch of canal or river. wildlife. wet, and clothing suitable for the weather any tunnel entrance’s please follow any When you’ve finished your paddle please conditions, carry suitable spare clothing powered craft at an appropriate distance. Launching and landing make sure to thoroughly clean all your in a waterproof dry bag, especially in The Foulridge tunnel operates on a one- equipment and clothing. You’ll save us Our canal and river banks are home to colder weather conditions. way traffic light system please follow time and money battling invasive species, some of the country’s rarest wildlife, all instructions at the entrances to the meaning we can spend more on making including the endangered water vole. Navigation rules tunnel and DO NOT ENTER WHEN THE our canals and rivers even better places Please don’t ‘seal’ launch or drag boats Ensure you stay to the right where LIGHTS ARE RED. to be. into the canal as it can damage the bank. 0303 040 4040 Follow us possible, take care around bridges and other canal infrastructure where visibility Locks and swing bridges Float your canoe for launching, lift out Useful contacts when landing and carry it to and from the (Lines open 8am to 6pm – Mon to Fri, /canalrivertrust can be impaired. Portage at all bridges Please report any pollution, fly tipping It is best practice to portage all locks water. 9am to 5pm – Sat, 10am to 4pm – Sun) and locks. Powered craft have right of or fish in distress to the Environment @canalrivertrust and swing bridges, portaging past way over unpowered craft so leave as locks can save both time and conserve Where possible please keep to any Agency on 0800 807060. much space as possible. designated paths or launching points. [email protected] @canalrivertrust water. Most swing bridges are required If you see any birds or animals in distress to be unlocked and either manually or On the water please call the RSPCA on 0990 555999 electronically operated therefore saving (24 hours). Enjoy. Volunteer. Donate. time by portaging. Try to keep as quiet as possible. By canalrivertrust.org.uk keeping any noise you make to a minimum you’re bound to see more wildlife. Constantly assess the wildlife Welcome to the Desmond Family around you. If you see signs of Canoe Trail, connecting the west and east disturbance move away quietly. coasts via the Leeds Liverpool Canal and FSC Aire & Calder Navigation. logo here Paddle through the villages, towns and cities across northern England and enjoy stunning scenery from a whole new viewpoint. For more tips visit British Canoeing website. For more information Download British Canoeing’s You, your canoe Enjoy. Volunteer. Donate. Charity Number 1146792 August 2019 ICM 12340 and the environment leaflet. Cooksons Bridge, Ford to The The New Arms, Appley Bridge to Wigan Top Lock to 2 New Scarisbrick Arms, Ormskirk 3 to Appley Bridge 4 Trencherfield Mill, Wigan 5 Walton Summit Branch,

This is on the Leeds-Liverpool canal as it winds away from Liverpool through This trail takes you through the plain – you will pass through This section of the trail meanders from the West Lancashire plain into the Leave the hustle and bustle behind as you paddle onwards to Pennine

various towns in Sefton out onto the West Lancashire plain. towns such as Burscough and on your way to Appley Bridge. industrial town of Wigan. Lancashire. N W

Start Cooksons Bridge, Start Wigan Top Lock, a Johnson’s N

Start The New Scarisbrick Arms, Start Car park, Appley Bridge, Wigan l t Gorsey Ln, Ford L21 0EJ WN2 1JE o Hillock Black-A-Moor Ln, Ormskirk WN6 9AW n not to scale Locks Finish The New Scarisbrick Arms, Cross L39 7HX Appley Bridge Finish Walton Summit Branch, S Finish Trencherfield Mill, Wallgate, Wigan u not to scale Black-A-Moor Ln, PR6 8AL B m Finish Appley Bridge, Wigan WN6 9AW WN3 4BF r m 7 an it Ormskirk L39 7HX 4 c 1 Distance 14 miles Distance 5 miles Distance 9.2 miles Botany Ba h 5 y Distance 10 miles A s k Time Approx 3½ hours Time 4 – 7 hours la Time 1½ – 2 hours oc Su ill g p L Time 3 – 5 hours de ndm u To ll B Portages 4 swing bridges & 1 lock Parbold Wi o Portages 3 swing bridges and 3 locks Wigan Portages None ro D o Ly 61 Portages 13 swing bridges & 1 lock. k diate Hill Bridge r and Locks M and Locks e and Locks v i and Locks All approx. 50-100m portage Parbold

R OS Map OS Landranger 108

A

OS Map OS Landranger 108 OS Map OS Landranger 108 Chorley

Wigan 5 OS Map OS Landranger 108 14 7  Locks Local Facilities Description Local Facilities Local Facilities ● ● ●  Kirkless Hall pub at start for food and  The Inn, 6 Rosemary Ln, Downholland, R Newburgh  Start at Appley Bridge. ● u   B The Running Horses, 25 Bell’s Ln, Lydiate, Lydiate f drink. Ormskirk L39 7JP r f ● k Brook a o  Portage Deans Lock and take a glimpse into Leigh Maghull, Liverpool L31 4EN n r Wigan c www.theshipinnhaskayne.com/ c d Branch ●   la Burscough h the development of transport as the canal is Frederick’s Ice Cream shop PR7 4AL. B www.therunninghorseslydiate.pub/index Canal side pub & garden Bridge crossed by both railway and motorway.

Canal side pub Description w ro ●   R ●   ar There are also several cafés & pubs/shops i You start to enter the outskirts of Wigan, Y ● v ●  Leaving Top Lock behind you paddle er  The New Scarisbrick Arms, Black-A-Moor Ln, er P iv Heath Charnock in towns of Burscough and Parbold. T passing by Crooke Marina. A o R aw 4 tt through farm land and golf courses. Ormskirk L39 7HX d 9 e Maghull ●  Entering the town centre keep a look out for ry www.thenewscarisbrickarms.co.uk/our-menus/ Description R ●  Keep your eyes peeled ready for a canal Wigan Pier, you don’t want to miss it. d White Bear Marina Canal side restaurant ●  Starting at The New Scarisbrick Arms Martin Burscough side ice cream stop at Fredericks. ●  Exit at the pontoon next to Trencherfield Mill, Adlington Mere ● paddling north will take you past a choice of  Passing under the M61 you will see the iver Douglas Description Wetland this is the start of the Wigan flight portage R 9 canal side pubs and restaurants. site of Botany Bay. 5 Centre 23 locks and 90 minutes later you will have ●  Starting at Cooksons Bridge this section 58 rook A Langley’s B M ●   ●   Paddle past Scarisbrick Marina as you Continue paddling towards Johnsons

reached Wigan Top Lock. takes you from city to countryside. A start to head east again. Crooke Marina Hillock lock flight and take a short paddle rle y ●  Paddle past the Canal Turn at Aintree Brook ●  Keep your eyes to the skies as you look to the top of the Walton Summit Branch Racecourse home of the world famous Crooke out for the ‘local’ residents of Wigan P and exit here. Grand National Steeplechase. Melling ier Wetlands Centre. ●  Start to feel more remote as you leave ●  Arriving in Burscough you have the chance Haigh Hall the hustle and bustle behind and look to stop at the wharf, refresh and reload in Country Park out over open countryside. Waddicar 9 many of the local shops before paddling Appley Gathurst 5 Riv Scarisbrick ●  Continue through Maghull and paddle A er A past the first major junction of the trail Marina Bridge on a short way past some of the swing lt at the Rufford Branch, continue straight bridges along the trail. Aintree M M ahead to stay on the trail. s 6 a 5 l Wigan ● 7  Exit at The New Scarisbrick Arms. ● g  Paddle through small villages and open u o D countryside, as you pass through Parbold, r Discover More ive see if you can see the old windmill. R River Doug You will pass the historical Aintree Racecourse, las N d Wigan ● 7 R  Arriving at your first lock, portage the short 4

home of the Grand National – for more info Aintree 1 ry Locks 5 not to scale k N te Leigh oc Racecourse distance and then paddle the last few hundred A t L visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/aintree o op metres to the finish. P Branch Wigan T not to scale

Johnson’s Hillock Top Lock, Wheelton Riley Green, Eanam Wharf, Blackburn Church, Accrington 6 to Riley Green, Hoghton 7 to Eanam Wharf, Blackburn 8 to Church, Accrington 9 to Reedley Marina, Burnley

Enjoy open countryside and wonderful views as you approach the town of Take in the changing scenery as you paddle through Blackburn. Enjoy a different viewpoint as you watch the traffic below on their slightly Paddle through Burnley and take in the elevated view over the town centre Blackburn. faster journeys. to the west and the rolling hills of the Pennine’s to the east as you journey along the straight mile. Start Top Lock Wheelton Accrington Reedley Marina A675 Start Riley Green, Hoghton Start Eanam Wharf n Riley Green A6078 u PR6 8LS r PR5 0SP BB1 5BY Start Church Swing Bridge B Blackburn r Finish Riley Green, Hoghton Riley Green A6078 BB5 4JX e Finish Eanam Wharf, Blackburn Finish Church Swing Bridge v i PR5 0SP Marina BB1 5BY BB5 4JX Finish Reedley Marina R A6077 r Distance 3.2 miles BB12 0DX de Distance 4½ miles Blackburn Distance 5¾ miles River Hy Tinker al ndburn Broo C Time 1 – 1½ hours k Distance 12 miles er Time 1 - 2 hours Locks Time 1½ – 3 hours 5 iv 6 R Portages None Portages Blackburn 6 locks Portages No locks M Time 3 – 6 hours and Locks M65 and Locks and Locks Portages 3 swing bridges, Burnley OS Map OS Landranger 108 & 102 OS Map OS Landranger 102 A OS Map OS Landranger 103 White and Locks no’s 114, 115 & 116 666 Ash Brook OS Map OS Landranger 103 Local Facilities Description Ea Description nam Wharf ●   Local Facilities The Top Lock Pub, Wheelton. ●  Depart from Riley Green moorings. ●  Starting at Eanam Wharf pass by Rishton Gannow Tunnel M r Darwen ve 6 Ri ●   Rosegrove Wharf, Canal & River Trust 5 ●  Canal Cruisers of Riley Green. ●  Keep your ears ready to listen for the Daisyfield Mill as you paddle through River Darwen as it passes under the trail. Mill Hill Pennine Lancashire. depot has facilities for boaters including Description ● toilets and shower as well as a water ●    The trail starts to weave its way along, Portage the locks at Blackburn 6 locks point, a trust key is needed to access ●   passing under bridges and over streams. Access the trail at the Top Lock and (20 minutes) and continue paddling for W Rishton Reservoir all trust facilities. Burnley town centre eave paddle north. ●   rs’ T a short while. Once again you come to the M65 this is not far from the route and caters for M65 riangle G ●  Paddle through open countryside ● time paddling over it and looking down 9 re  Exit at Eanam Wharf. 11 all needs, near to the trail is the Bobbin en Cherry Tree 6 Br and farmland. to the traffic below. A ook café, Wiseman Street and Banny’s fish C ast ●  Passing under the M65 for the first ●  Continuing your journey the trail and chips as well as restaurants, further le C lou rook gh time and continue on passing under meanders left and right, keep looking en B along the trail at Reedley Marina is the B uzd ro the A675 and finishing at the moorings ahead for the swing bridge at Church Kn ok Kingfisher Café. Hapton at Riley Green. Higher and exit here. Wheelton Description ●   Parking on Church Hall Road a short walk R ive A6062 will take you to the trail (<100m) at Church ock r R Top L od Swing Bridge. dl es w ●   o Daisyfield Mill Pass by Knotts Bridge moorings. k rt oo h Br ●  Rosegrove Wharf, Canal & River Trust gh ou 6078 depot. Cl Blackburn A ●  Gannow tunnel at J10 on M65. A Eanam Wharf 6 ● 7  Pass along the ‘straight mile’ embankment 65 Accrington Wheelton 4 overlooking Burnley town centre and the M N South Pennine hills. Clayton- 5 ● not to scale  Exit at Reedley Marina visitor moorings. le-Moors 18 N N 6 Johnson’s Hillock Locks Riley Green A Marina not to scale N not to scale not to scale