From 1819, the Lancaster Canal ran all the way to Kendal, bringing prosperity to the region. Coal was transported into the town, while limestone, slate and locally manufactured goods were exported.

However, the coming of the railways in the mid 19th century meant that the canal began to decline. After the Second World War, this once important artery was no longer needed and it became an ideal site for landfill. Today, you can still walk along the course of the old canal. The trail links nicely with a riverside stroll along the Kent.

Deborah Curry

May 31, 2023

Hiking

Natland-Sedgwick stretch of the Lancaster Canal Trail. visitcumbria.com/sl/kendal-canal/?utm_content=cmp-true

Charlie Cosh

May 26, 2025

Hiking

Very strange to see the bridges which used to cross the canal just appear in the middle of fields with no apparent purpose.

Nearby routes

Best routes near Lancaster Canal Trail: Natland–Sedgwick Section

4.3

(7)

hikers

1. Levens Hall loop on the River Kent & the Lancaster Canal Trail from Kendal

20.9km

05:23

100m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.0

(4)

hikers

2. Sedgwick House – River Kent Gorge loop from Oxenholme Lake District

12.8km

03:21

90m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5.0

(7)

hikers

3. The Mushroom on Scout Scar – River Kent Gorge loop from Sedgwick

21.5km

05:49

290m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Distance 2.31 km

Uphill 30 m

Downhill 30 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 10 March

10°C

6°C

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Take Me There

Location: Sedgwick, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sizergh Castle and Gardens

The Mushroom on Scout Scar

Fairy Steps

Cunswick Scar Summit Cairn

Gurnal Dubs Tarn

Milnthorpe Bridge

Mabbin Road Climb

Stranded Lancaster Canal Bridge

View of the River Kent in Kendal

The Avenue at Levens Park

Scout Scar summit

Path to Paddy Lane

Lancaster Canal Trail: Natland–Sedgwick Section

1. Levens Hall loop on the River Kent & the Lancaster Canal Trail from Kendal

2. Sedgwick House – River Kent Gorge loop from Oxenholme Lake District

3. The Mushroom on Scout Scar – River Kent Gorge loop from Sedgwick

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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