Moorings on the Lancaster Canal

The Lancaster Canal is one of the most scenic and underrated waterways in the UK, running 103 kilometres almost without locks from Preston northward through Garstang, Lancaster and Carnforth, with a separate Northern Reaches arm beyond the M6 to Tewitfield and (in restoration) Kendal. Built as a contour canal by John Rennie, the route has only one lock flight (the Tewitfield flight, currently disused) on the main line — a rarity that makes the Lancaster ideal for relaxed cruising and crews wanting to cover ground without lockwheeling. For boat owners, the canal's defining feature is its setting: wide views across Morecambe Bay to the west, the Forest of Bowland to the east and the Lake District fells filling the northern horizon. The Glasson Dock branch drops from the main line down to the tidal Lune Estuary, giving sea-going access. Long-stay moorings are available at Garstang Basin, Lancaster, Carnforth Marina (Bridge House Marina) and Glasson Dock Marina. The canal connects to the wider network via the Ribble Link at Preston — a tidal passage requiring careful planning but opening the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and beyond. Lancaster itself is a vibrant historic city with a Norman castle, university and direct West Coast Main Line trains to London, Glasgow and Manchester. A peaceful, lock-light, deeply scenic liveaboard waterway with mountain views.