Glasson Branch |
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Lock 1  |
Bottom Gate Lock 2  |
Lock 1 to Lock 2  |
Lock 6 (Thurnam Mill)  |
Thurnam Mill  |
Bridge 7  |
View from Bridge 8  |
Glasson Basin 1  |
Glasson Basin 2  |
Glasson Basin 3  |
Sea Lock  |
Glasson Dock 1  |
Glasson Dock 2  |
Dock Entrance  |
Dock Gate Opening  |
The junction with the Glasson branch is marked by the lock keeper's cottage and a turnover-Bridge The branch was not opened until 1826 although it provided a vital link to the sea. There are six locks to Glasson Basin, with another down to Glasson Dock. The top gates of the locks are padlocked for security reasons. They can be opened with a cufflock key, which can be obtained from the lock keeper, or from British Waterways in Lancaster. The lock gates should be shut after use and the lock should be left empty, even when ascending. The flight gently descends to the sea, following the line of the River Conder that runs into the River Lune at Glasson.
There are good views around, especially to the slopes of Clougha Pike. Close to Bridge 4 is Thurnham Hall, with its chapel and woodlands. Close to Lock 6 is Thurnham Mill. This was at one time fed by canal water - the old mill can be seen next to the towing path. The canal company purchased the mill in 1824 for £1,100 in order to obtain its right to take water from the River Conder and divert it into the canal and thence to the mill wheel, the tail race returning the water to the canal below the lock. The canal ends at the basin that served as a reservoir for the outer dock at low tides. It is now full of seagoing yachts. There is a large boatyard and British Waterways moorings.
At one time, small seagoing vessels sailed up the canal to Kendal and Preston. Seagoing craft can go through the dock and sea-lock out onto the Lune Estuary, and thence to the Irish Sea. It is also possible to travel up the River Lune to Lancaster if the tide conditions are right, although this is not recommended for canal craft. The sea lock can be used 1 hour before high water. 24 hours notice should be given to the lock keeper.
The canal, which was completed in 1826, leads into Glasson Basin. This covers twelve acres and could accommodate seagoing vessels of 200 tons. The basin now shelters ocean-going yachts and is used for wind surfing. Glasson Dock, as part of the Port of Lancaster, was opened in 1787. Grain and timber were the main imports and coal to Ireland was the main export. The opening of Preston Dock in 1892 brought Glasson's period of greatness to an end and it has settled down to the quiet place it is today, although it still serves coasters from Britain and abroad. There are many delightful walks near the Lune Estuary and those to nearby Cockerham Sands Abbey to the south, and the 4-mile footpath walk along the Lune Estuary to Lancaster should not be missed. Glasson Village includes pubs and shops and is built around the dock.