Regional Round-up North - February 2025

Scarwood Bridge gets a major upgrade

In December, we completed much-anticipated improvement works at Scarwood Bridge on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Part of a wider initiative to improve access on the towpath between Milnsbridge and Slaithwaite, the upgrades are a significant step to ensuring everyone can enjoy this picturesque route.

Local disability access groups had told us Scarwood Bridge was causing significant challenges for wheelchair users. The narrow, cobbled towpath and sharp turn beneath the bridge were particularly difficult to navigate, especially in wet weather. As part of our commitment to keeping routes accessible for all, we teamed up with Kirklees Council to find a solution.

To bypass the troublesome section, we resurfaced the towpath and installed a brand-new ramp next to the bridge. Located between the canal and the River Colne, the ramp features a gentle gradient, with landings to allow wheelers to rest. At two metres wide, there’s plenty of room for towpath users to pass each other, whether on a wheelchair, bike or adapted cycle. To maintain the bridge’s historic charm, the ramp walls were faced with traditional stone. Now, more people can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, with greater access and a smoother, safer journey for all.

Volunteers pitch in at Birstall Lock

In January, work got underway to replace the lock gates at Birstall Lock on the River Soar, a popular and busy spot in Leicestershire. Local volunteers pitched in to help, supporting our operations team throughout the project.

They began by helping us clear encroaching vegetation from around the site, to make it safer and more accessible ahead of the stoppage. This included removing a fallen willow tree and cutting back dense scrub to create ‘wildlife scallops’ in the vegetation- warm, sunny, sheltered areas where wildflowers, butterflies and pollinators can thrive.

Located next to a popular public park, Birstall Lock sees plenty of foot traffic, and residents were naturally curious about the work. Our volunteers were on hand to answer questions, provide updates, and raise awareness of the project.

Our tireless volunteers help us with countless similar projects up and down the country, working in tandem with our staff teams, ensuring everything goes smoothly and fostering a real sense of community involvement.

Opening up the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail

Work is underway to transform a four-mile stretch of towpath on the northern section of the Lancaster Canal, making it more accessible for residents and visitors. The £1.1 million project is part of a broader vision to revitalise the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, a beautiful, scenic route connecting Kendal and Lancaster.

The towpath, running from Field End Bridge 169, near Stainton, to just north of Holme Village, is being widened and resurfaced using locally-sourced, self-binding gravel, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The new hardwearing surface will reduce mud and puddles, making for a much more enjoyable experience for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Jon Horsfall, our director for North West, explains: "This project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make our canals more welcoming and attractive. It’s all about providing more opportunities for people to enjoy outdoor activities, improve wellbeing, and explore the local area."

The trail will follow the original towpath, promoting healthy living and celebrating the region’s industrial heritage. Residents and visitors can walk it, run it, paddle it or cycle it, there’s a route for everyone. With verdant, tree-lined banks, stunning views, and an abundance of wildlife, it promises to be popular with locals and will put Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail firmly on the map as destination for leisure and tourism.