All TT Members and friends are invited to the unveiling of a Red Wheel at the historic Hincaster Canal Tunnel & Horse Path - a genuine 'hidden gem' - in South Lakeland, on Friday 6th September.
Hincaster Tunnel is on the abandoned northern reaches of the Lancaster Canal. The Tunnel is Listed Grade ll and its two portals are connected by a purpose-built horse path - itself a Scheduled Monument. The areas around both portals have been adopted by the Lancaster Canal Trust - who have rebuilt dry-stone walls, improved the safety of steps, maintained vegetation etc.
Canal & River Trust (CRT) have repairs planned for both portals during August, using their contractor Kier. These are being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Lancaster to Kendal Towpath Trail phase 2.
The Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership is planning a trail from Kendal to Lancaster: Hincaster Tunnel will form one of its attractions.
The site is also close to the NHLF-funded Stainton Aqueduct repairs (due for completion in October) and the 'First Furlong' - a stretch of dry canal being restored and re-watered by the Lancaster Canal Trust.
2019 marks the bicentenary of the completion of the Lancaster Canal.
Draft Itinerary:
Hincaster Tunnel is in a very rural setting, adjacent to Hincaster village, South Lakeland District, Cumbria, nearest postcode LA7 7ND … down narrow country lanes with minimal parking opportunities! It is, however, only a very few miles from Junction 36 on the M6. Depending on the number of people attending, it may be that a mini-bus shuttle will be provided from a more accessible location.
CRT representation will be led by Richard Parry, Chief Executive and the TT party by our Vice-Chairman Rob Shorland-Ball and a number of local VIPs are being invited.
To make the most of this special occasion, it is proposed to lay-on a conducted tour, visiting both Tunnel portals and the unique Horse Path and Stainton Aqueduct … and refreshments.
The complete programme is scheduled to run on site from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm - but please allow sufficient additional time for access.
The Transport Trust has a long-standing and close relationship with British Waterways / Canal & River Trust and related waterway bodies and our award of a Red Wheel to Hincaster … and the support for Lancaster Canal restoration that it represents … is much appreciated.
If you are able to attend on Friday 6th September, you'll be most welcome. Please contact Peter Stone on 01590 672673 / 07905 449311 or as early as possible