Part 2: Lancaster Canal’s “Northern Reaches”, Cumbria, Spring
The final stretch of Lancaster Canal.
In case you haven’t seen it you should check out my first photo blog about the Lancaster Canal, which contains the history of this iconic and important canal system.
The following day Lisabet and I decided to revisit the canal’s “Northern Reaches”, this time heading north from Millness Bridge (Nº 164) in Crooklands instead of south. This stretch is the final waterway of Lancaster Canal, which ends at Stainton somewhat abruptly. There are ambitions to re-water the canal for a quarter of a mile north of Stainton towards Kendal, and work has begun on repairing and upgrading Stainton Aqueduct after Storm Desmond wreaked havoc in December 2015.
All photos shot on a Fujifilm X-T2 with a 16–50mm f/3.5–5.6 lens using a customised Classic Chrome film simulation.
Looking back on Crooklands Bridge (Nº 166), which carries the B6385 over it. Another scorching hot day with barely any wind means very low water levels in the canal and pristine reflections.
Bulls and bullocks paddle in the waters of Lancaster Canal to cool down and have a sip.
Honestly, I were tempted to join them.
I kept waiting for this bull to look at me for this photo but it adamantly refused.
Not sure it’s possible to get a more bucolic scene of English rural idyll.
Old Hall Bridge (Nº 167) with almost perfect reflections; beyond you can just make out the slopes of Scout Hill (284 m/931 ft). On the banks before this bridge Lisabet and I were enthralled by a grey heron (Ardea cinerea), fishing in the waters of Lancaster Canal.
The end of Lancaster Canal at Stainton.
The next stretch of Lancaster Canal from Stainton, which has been relaid with lining and blocks. Not quite filled up yet, and of course it currently remains unconnected.
After Sellet Hall Bridge (Nº 173) the newly restored Lancaster Canal ends once again, totally dried up and reclaimed by nature.
Nature closing in on the 200-year old structures of Lancaster Canal.