Forton is not actually on the
Lancaster canal, it is about a mile East of bridge 77, but the area is known as
Forton and consists hamlets such as Wharf Cottage, Cabus Nook and Potters
Brook. Caravan parks are quite popular along the canal and this stretch is no
different.
Cabus Nook is located at bridge 73 and just north of the
bridge is a large well appointed mobile caravan park off the West bank. The
area from Wharf Cottage through Cabus Nook to Potters Brook is very picturesque
and, for the more energetic of you, a walk along the tow path is well worth
while on a nice day. At bridge 78 a small privately owned narrow boat rental,
Water babies, is located. The owner prides himself on maintaining two high
quality narrow boats and these are for rent at reasonable prices.
To
the West of an ornamental canal bridge, numbered 84, set in beautiful grounds,
is Ellel Grange. Ellel Grange is a very fine Italianate villa built for a
merchant William Preston in 1857 -1859. It is a very large mansion, having two
broad towers. There is also a little church in the grounds named St. Mary's,
built by Williams Preston in 1873 for £7,000. Both these properties and
the estate are private and the owners privacy should be respected. The best
views are from the canal, so take a trip past on a boat.
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