Image shared for Bolton-le-Sands to Hest Bank: Lancaster Canal Towpath Return
Canal / Riverside Out & back

Bolton-le-Sands to Hest Bank: Lancaster Canal Towpath Return

Lancashire

Distance
5.3 mi
Est. time
2h 15m
Difficulty
Easy
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at the large roadside layby on Lancaster Road, just south of Carnforth on the northern edge of Bolton-le-Sands. Check the parking signs, then use the short pedestrian link beside the layby to reach the Lancaster Canal towpath. Turn south, keeping the water beside you through Bolton-le-Sands and onwards to Hest Bank.

The route follows the bends of the canal past village gardens, moored boats and the St Michael's Lane bridge, with views towards Morecambe Bay on the more open stretches. Continue past Hatlex Lane to the canal bridge beside The Hest Bank pub. Turn around on the towpath here and retrace the same route to the layby. The pub is an optional stop via the bridge access; the plotted walk stays beside the canal.

Allow about 2 hours 15 minutes for the 8.5 km return. There is little climbing, but the towpath can be narrow beneath bridges and uneven or slippery when wet. Share it considerately with cyclists and people handling boats, keep children away from the water's edge, and keep dogs under close control. This route remains on the canal path throughout.

Route and parking information checked against the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail partnership maps and Canal & River Trust notices. Check the Trust's current notices before travelling.

Walk details

County
Lancashire
Walk type
Out & back
Category
Canal / Riverside
Distance
5.3 mi (8.5 km)
Est. time
2h 15m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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