It’s now (nearly) possible to paddle all the way across England in a canoe. The only obstacles are canal locks that require portage, and rights to a tunnel that are still being negotiated.
The project, connecting Liverpool to the Humber Estuary, uses the Lees and Liverpool canal, parts of the Aire and Calder Canal and a stretch of the Ouse river for a 150-mile journey. It’s called the Desmond Family Canoe Trail after the media mogul who’s provided financial muscle to get the project going.
The Guardian (UK) sent a reporter to try out a section of the route; his report, with pictures and historical reflections appears HERE.
The Leeds – Liverpool canal as it passes by me in Liverpool:
As you can see from this photo – the tow path makes an excellent route for cycling too.
And walkers. No traffic or roads to cross. Friends often take their canoes for a paddle.
Others just go fishing. Maybe just a walk in silence – except for the occasional canalside pub where they have a kids playground. And the ducks quacking. (No shooting allowed)
Can we count on you to make a coast-to-coast transit your next project! Looks like fun, even for we of a certain age…