BBC presenter Andy Torbet took on the challenge of becoming the first person to kayak the 162 mile trail from Liverpool to Goole. He completed the journey in eight days and along the way interviewed the Trust's project manager Greg Brookes, North West Waterway manager Chantelle Seaborn and award-winning Bingley Five Rise lock keepers Nick Stead and John Lobley.
The canoe trail is a five year project, funded by a £1.3m grant from the Desmond Foundation. It aims to work with young people aged 16-25, creating healthier communities and employment opportunities as well as leaving a lasting legacy, a coast to coast canoe trail, for future generations to enjoy.
The route takes in the country's longest single manmade waterway, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, and the Aire & Calder Navigation, and involves carrying canoes around more than 100 locks, including the 21 lock Wigan flight, Bingley's famous Five Rise Staircase and paddling through a mile long tunnel at Foulridge.
Greg said: "We are only in year two of the project and Andy has done a fantastic job in blazing a trail for future canoe enthusiasts. We look forward to hearing from more people completing the trail over the coming months and years."
