Destination Guide

Yorkshire & Lancashire

The less well known waterways of Yorkshire and Lancashire offer stunning views across the North’s historic and scenic landscape.

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal

Being the longest single canal in Britain, it has plenty to take in from the City of Leeds to the peaceful villages on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and the famous Bingley Five Rise flight of Locks.

Cruises of any length can be taken in Lancashire and Yorkshire; from three days working the locks towards Skipton to three weeks cruising the Pennine Ring - there's no shortage of attractions within easy reach of the canal.

The Pennines

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the 'backbone of England' offers unspoiled, magnificent views from these highest waterways in Britain.

Picturesque mill towns line the banks; ideal stopping points for pubs, shops and sights. The Pendle Heritage Centre at Barrowford is well worth a visit, and Salts Mill at Saltaire currently houses the David Hockney collection. And then there's always the Mill Outlet stores.

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Discover the local sights

At the very start of your trip, Pendle Hill is visible from the Blakes hire base at Reedley Marina. As spectacular as any scenery in
The Pennines, and steeped in the history of the area it dominates, Pendle Hill has seen the Pendle Witch Trials and the founding of the Quaker movement in its shadow, and it is a local landmark not to be overlooked.

The Dales

Waiting for you in the Yorkshire Dales is some of the finest scenery in Britain, and much of it visible from the waterways carved into the landscape since the Industrial Revolution. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere of the mill towns as you navigate the spectacularly engineered canals, and be sure to make the most of the proximity of Leeds for shopping, and the nightlife.

Skipton, 'Gateway to the Dales', is a characterful and ancient market town nestled at the southern end of the Dales National Park. Explore cobbled streets and find great food, a bustling market and a castle emblazoned with the motto of the Clifford family. A short distance from Skipton, give the Embassy Steam Railway a go - a trip into the Dales and back to the romantic age of steam.

Plot your course

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