15-03-2025
Burnley canal area dubbed a 'treasure trove' in new guide
The Canal & River Trust has released a 'North West Places to Visit' guide tailored for the Easter break.
The charity is aiming to draw more visitors to the region's waterways, with Burnley's historic canal areas highlighted as a prime spot.
The former 'cotton-weaving capital of the world', Burnley is a 'treasure trove' of industrial heritage, offering 'one of the best surviving industrial landscapes.'
Visitors can explore the town's historical weaving sheds, spinning mills, and engine houses.
For a leisurely day out, the guide suggests walking along Burnley Embankment section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, exploring Finsley Gate Wharf, or enjoying a picnic in Thompson Park.
The guide is filled with maps, visitor facilities information, free activities, and tips for making the most of the region's canals and rivers.
Lune Aqueduct, Lancaster (Image: Canal & River Trust)
Jon Horsfall, the Canal & River Trust's director for the North West, said: "The Canal & River Trust cares for more than 438 miles of canals in the North West, providing free-to-visit outdoor open spaces, and the chance to connect with nature and the region's rich canal history.
"We want to encourage more people to visit our canals, rivers, reservoirs, and docks so they can experience the physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits of spending time by water."
Anderton Boat Lift (Image: Canal & River Trust)
The trust's 2,000-mile canal and river network attracted more than 10 million visitors last year as people flocked to enjoy a range of activities, including walking, cycling, running, fishing, and boat trips.
The trust hopes for similar success this year with its new guide.
Other places featured in the guide include the Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire, Audlem Mill in Crewe, Chester Canal Basin, Clarence Mill in Bollington, Lancaster and the Lune Aqueduct, Marple Locks, Middlewich Locks, Nantwich, the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, Portland Basin in Ashton-under-Lyne, and Uppermill.
The guide can be downloaded from the Canal & River Trust website.
