The paddling trip known as 'The Lancaster Round' is an old favourite of mine. It starts at Glasson Dock where the Estuary of the river Lune is broad and windswept.
A ride upon the flooding tide can bring a keen group into Lancaster in an hour or so where the modern flood defences hide the historic riverside buildings from would-be seaborne invaders like recreational kayakers.
On a bulging spring tide you can paddle right over the weir at Skerton without even noticing it. Otherwise it's worth taking the opportunity for a rest, brew and snack before portaging on to the fresh water beyond.
The Lancaster Canal crosses the Lune by way of the delightful Lune aqueduct. It was designed by John Rennie and built by Alexander Stevens in 1797. An even more exhausting portage is needed to continue the round and paddle south the heart of the city of Lancaster.
The canal weaves and wanders its way through the city, suburbs and then the countryside. The tree-lined deep cutting that leads south gives the feel of paddling through a leafy river gorge.
More open scenery leads to Galgate and the Junction with the Glasson Branch. Ahead lies just 4 kilometres, but 6 obstacles in the way of locks (to portage) in the final battle to return to Glasson and the car park where the journey began. In the winter months this battle is fought and won (or lost) in the hours of darkness!
I'd like to express my thanks to the company of North West Sea Kayakers on my most recent trip on the Lancaster (merry-go) Round.
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