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Garstang is a small and friendly market town
covered in history. It is perfect for relaxed shopping trips, lazy
picnics, teashop treats and traditional pub lunches. Every Thursday the
town is busy with the hustle and bustle of market day, dating back to
1310 and it still has many stalls taking over High Street.
The ruins of Greenhalgh Castle can be seen over the
River Wyre and the historic narrow alleyways (weinds) provide an
interesting and unexpected diversion to hidden shops, restaurants and
cafes.
The scenic Lancaster Canal is a popular venue for
riverbank walks or a leisurely sail on a canal boat. Walkers can ramble
through the hills to the Forest of Bowland, which is a designated area
of outstanding natural beauty where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery.
Hearty homemade food in historic inns and friendly
pubs is available and must be experienced. Whether you wish to explore
by car, bicycle or on foot, Garstang is the perfect destination for all
seasons.
 WALKING
Garstang is the starting point for a diverse range
of walking routes that traverse through beautiful pasture and woodland
at the edge of the River Wyre and the picturesque towpath of the
Lancaster Canal.
The Wyre Way is a long distance recreational route,
which links the sea at Morecambe Bay with the Forest of Bowland, passing
through Garstang. The local riverside walk, a circular trail suitable
for all, links the Discovery Centre with the riverside picnic area, the
Garstang Millennium Green and the River Wyre.
We have 3 circular walking routes around Garstang
that you can download by clicking on the links below.
Garstang and Lancaster Canal (PDF)
Garstang Castle Walk (PDF)
Garstang and Barnacre Walk (PDF)
The countryside rangers lead a variety of short and
long distance walks linking the Lancaster canal, Forest of Bowland,
surrounding countryside and neighbouring villages. For more information
the routes and ranger-led events please
click
here. (2mb PDF)
The Garstang town trail is currently being
developed and will be published in the autumn.
 PICNICKING
There is an attractive riverside picnic area on the
banks of the River Wyre next to the High Street car park, which gives
lovely views of the castle, and Forest of Bowland. The riverside trail
runs from the main car park through to the Millennium Green and allows
for lovely views of the Bowland Fells. The Millennium Green is an area
of rural open space along the River Wyre owned and managed by the
Garstang Millennium Green Trust. It has level surfaced paths and
sculptures as well as areas of long grass managed for wild flowers.
BOATING
The Lancaster Canal is navigable for 41 miles, and
winds through some of the most spectacular scenery in the North West of
England. Being a contour canal, the full length of the canal is lock
free - the longest stretch in the country, making it popular for the
experienced and novice alike. For those seeking a more challenging
journey, there are six locks on the Glasson arm bringing you to Glasson
Port in Morecambe Bay.
There are several hire bases on the canal, so you
can rent a boat for a week's cruising - or, following the construction
of the Millennium Ribble Link, you can also now bring your own boat from
anywhere else on the waterway system. Maximum boat dimensions on the
Lancaster Canal itself are 72ft (length), 14ft (width), 8ft (headroom)
and 3ft (draught), but please note the Ribble Link and the Leeds &
Liverpool Rufford Branch are more limiting. For more information
visit
www.waterscape.com.
CYCLING
Bicycles can be hired from Owd Nells, Guys Thatched
Hamlet, Bilsborrow, Preston Tel: 01995 640010 or Garstang Marina,
Garstang Tel: 01995 600920.
The Bowland by Bike route guide can be found by
clicking here. For more information visit
www.cyclemaps.org.uk.
 CANOEING
Canoeing is a great way to explore the waterway,
and if you're keen to try the sport, a number of clubs which use the
canal. You can ring either Garstang Canoe Club on 01772 861771. For more
general information call the British Canoe Union on 0115 982 1100.
Being a contour canal, with 41 miles of flat water,
the Lancaster Canal is ideal for canoeing and the use of other unpowered
craft. It is ideally suited to Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and other
outdoor schemes. The local waterway office can give advice on access and
waterside campsites and give access to sanitary facilities if needed.
Please be aware, however, that you need a permit to
use the canal. If you are a member of the British Canoe Union, this
permit is included in your membership. If you are not in the BCU, please
ring the Waterway Office to discuss your requirements. |
