This route was largely canal towpath. The towpath varies in its state to walk untroubled - a section early on had been renovated, probably due to breached canal edges; at other times the grass was undulating a little, and as already said, occasionally very muddy. Birdlife and attractive trees adorning canal side gardens were noted....

William Huxham

Due to building work, the path goes through the grounds of Barton Church [not noticed before despite driving passed many times]. After coffee, the walk soon goes passed an ancient "pinfold"; the old A6 is quiet now until the busy Broughton roundabout and M6....

William Huxham

(I’ve encountered this one before and the farm staff are aware of it.) A lovely lane led to a bridge over the canal, and on to unsurfaced farm tracks and eventually a field and some more quiet roads. However, a completely inaccessible stile at OS Grid Ref: SD 48488 37741 led to a change of plan, and I headed directly to the road along a slightly rerouted track through new gates and a bridge to reach the road at a slightly overgrown stile. This brought me to a field of very inquisitive young cows/bullocks who started following me. The following field crossings had no livestock, but were tilled to the very edge, and had poorly maintained stiles between them. However, after Watery Gate Lane there was a stile and bridge crossing into another field between two little ponds....

Mary Oz

The footbridge over the M6, with a stile at each end, will make this route impractical for some people, as will later features of the walk. I didn’t find any problems navigating the section to and through Fell Foot Farm/Staveley’s Eggs, although I was forewarned to take care with navigation by Burnroyd’s photo survey. I could then see the long low buildings of the farm, headed towards them, then kept to the south of them, where the footpath signs showed. The gate to the north east (see Burnroyd’s photo) is intimidating to vehicle traffic, but there is a permanent opening for walkers....

Mary Oz

It’s a good idea to stay on the east side of the road, as the west side doesn’t always have a pavement. However, it will be necessary to cross the busy road just before the layby to reach the poorly signposted field footpath....

Mary Oz

The route starts along suburban footpaths between housing, accessed from the car park of the derelict (at the time of writing) pub, or through the churchyard....

Mary Oz

This route follows the Lancaster Canal as far as possible, and crosses three aqueducts. Access to the canal at the Garstang end is via hard-surfaced slopes, and the towpath is tarmacked for the first mile....

Mary Oz

Maybe in the winter this section would be easier, and maybe the Ramblers will take it up with the local council, but for now, expect to be stung by nettles and thistles for most of the next mile. Unless the initial footpath is improved, I would suggest using Garstang Road and Whittingham Lane to reach the lane to Hoole’s Farm....

Mary Oz

After this the route leaves the towpath again for a pointless and tricky diversion through fields, alongside the railway, and back to the towpath, via a slightly tricky descent....

Mary Oz

There are a number of potential obstacles, including steps, stiles, gates, narrow bridges and associated short rough sections, which may make the route unsuitable for those with limited mobility. There are a couple of very short sections where it may be necessary to adapt the route due to access issues (described in a route survey) but these are fairly straightforward....

Burnroyd