| National Cycle Network - Lancaster to
Kendal |
The Lancaster to
Kendal cycle route is part of the National Cycle Network Route 6. The Network
comprises 10,000 miles of traffic-free routes and traffic- calmed or minor
roads. The first 5,000 miles is already open with the remainder due for
completion by 2005. The Network is co-ordinated by Sustrans in conjunction with
more than 450 local authorities and other partners. The Lancaster to Kendal
section of Route 6 intersects with other key national and regional cycle
routes, including the Pennine Cycleway (National Cycle Route 68), Route 72/20 -
Walney Island to Sunderland - due to open 2005, the Lancashire Cycleway
(Regional Route 90) and the Cumbria Cycleway (Regional Route 30). National
Cycle Route 6 continues northwards into the Lake District National Park,
passing through Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick and onwards to
Gretna.
Sustrans
Sustrans (the sustainable transport charity) is a charity that works
on practical projects to encourage people to walk and cycle more, as a starting
point for reducing motor traffic and tackling its adverse effects. As well as
the National Cycle Network, these include building safe routes to schools and
to stations and creating cycle - and pedestrian - friendly transport
schemes.
Cycling Code of
Conduct
National Cycle Network Route 6 uses a
canal towpath and other paths shared with pedestrians. When cycling on the
towpath or multi user paths:
- Slow down when approaching
pedestrians.
- Ring your bell to let them know that
you are there.
- Give way to pedestrians, pass them
slowly and give them plenty of room.
Stop if necessary.
- Be polite - a "hello" and "thank you"
means a lot.
- Slow down at bridges where visibility
is limited.
- Ride at a gentle pace on canal
towpaths.
- Remember many people are hard of
hearing or visually impaired.
Do not assume that they can see or hear
you.
- Give way to people in
wheelchairs.
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Lancaster
With attractive cycle routes radiating out from the spectacular
Millennium Bridge into the surrounding countryside, the historic city of
Lancaster is becoming one of the best places in the country to cycle. The city
grew rich in the eighteenth century as a major port trading with America and
the West Indies. It is linked by cycle path to the nearby resort of Morecambe,
where you can enjoy attractive views across the bay to the Lakeland hills.
Cycles can be hired at the railway station.
Kendal
A medieval market town of
broad streets, narrow 'yards' and impressive bridges across the fast-flowing
River Kent, Kendal's history is steeped in the cloth- and shoe-making trades.
It is the site of two castles, one of which was owned by the family of Henry
Vlll's sixth wife, Catherine Parr, Contemporary Kendal remains the hub of the
South Lakes, linked to the West Coast Line at Oxenhoime Station, and is the
gateway to the Lake District National Park. For those taking a break before
continuing on National Route 6 northwards towards Windermere, Ambleside and
Keswick, Kendal offers good shopping, an impressive range of places to eat, and
attractions such as the Brewery Arts Centre and the internationally renowned
Abbot Hall Gallery.
Arnside ~ Silverdale -
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Between Camforth and Milnthorpe the
National Cycle Route passes through the Arnside - Silverdale Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. The AONB is an area of ~ low wooded limestone hills
with an enchanting coastline. Use the Lancashire Cycleway, Cumbria Cycleway and
National Cycle Route to make a loop of the area.
Carnforth Connect
Between Camforth and Milnthorpe the
Camforth Connect Bus carries up to two bicycles. |
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Lancaster
Canal
The Lancaster Canal was opened in 1797, to take coal north and
agricultural products south. Fast passenger boats, such as the "Waterwitch",
ran on the canal linking Kendal, Lancaster and Preston. When the M6 was
constructed in the 1960s, 14 miles of canal were cut off. This stretch is known
as the 'Northern Reaches' and is the subject of an ambitious £50 million
restoration scheme to restore the canal to the heart of Kendal by 2008. The
National Cycle Route runs along the in-filled line of the Lancaster Canal in
Kendal. In Lancaster, the canal also offers an attractive route round the city
centre. The Lune Aqueduct on the east side of the city is one of the seven
wonders of the canal age. |
The maps on this
page are a sample from visitlancashire.com.
You can download a very
informative PDF document containing more detailed cycling information relating
to Lancaster, Morecambe & The Lune Valley area.
Here is the download
link
visitlancshire,com |
 |
To cycle on
the canal towpath you need a free permit, available from British Waterways,
Main Road, Galgate Lancaster LA2 OLQ. Tel: (01524) 751888
www.britishwaterways.co.uk
Please remember that you are responsible for your own
safety and the safety of others on canal tow/paths. Permission to cycle on the
towpath may be withdrawn if you cycle in an inconsiderate way and you could be
liable to prosecution. |
For more information and
further details use the contacts below.
 
  |
Sustrans
Tel: 0117 929 0888
www.sustrans.org.uk
Lancashire
County Council
Tel: 01772 534609
www.lancashire.gov.uk
Cumbria
County Council
Tel: 01228 606733
www.cumbria.gov.uk
Tourist
Information Numbers
Tel: 01524 32878 or 01539 725758 |
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