Another waterway canoe 'trail'

FOLLOWING on the news that the Soar is to be used as a new canoe 'trail' comes news that another such trail is envisaged across the Pennines.

A five years plan has been put forward to create such a 'trail' linking the West and East coasts, starting in Liverpool, taking in the whole of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal then the Aire & Calder Navigation right into Goole.

Not for the faint-hearted

However, the 150 mile route will not be for the faint-hearted, for it will involve carrying canoes around nearly 100 locks, including the 21 locks Wigan Flight and Bingley Five Rise and of course over the top of one mile long Foulridge Tunnel.

All boaters who have cruised these waterways will know it will take the canoeists through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country as they wind their way over the Pennines.

The scheme is being funded to the tune of a £1.3 million grant from the Desmond Foundation, the aim of the project being to create healthier communities, develop employment opportunities and leave a lasting legacy in  the Coast to Coast Canoe Trail.