Kendal |
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Kendal Castle |
Bridge 187 |
South of Bridge 187 |
Bridge186  |
South of Bridge186  |
North of Bridge 185 |
North of Bridge 184 |
Bridge 184 |
Site of Bridge 183 |
South of Bridge 183 |
Towpath south of Bridge 183 |
From Natland to Kendal the canal has been filled in but the original Line can still be followed even though It is now used as factory yards, car parks or gardens. The line of the towing path is a public right of way all the way to the terminus in Kendal.
From Natland Hall Bridge, the canal ran northwards across farmland along the line of a hedge on the left, before crossing Natland road. It ran alongside the road for a short distance to Natland Mill Bridge, where the line is again evident in a cutting.
At Kendal Changeline Bridge, the towpath changed to the East Side of the canal. This is the only occurrence of a Turnover Bridge in Cumbria and is a listed building. The towpath is now used as a cycleway all the way to the terminus and the canal itself is mainly used as a linear car and lorry park.
The last 400m below Kendal Castle present a sorry sight and a sad ending to a lovely canal. Most of the original canal buildings have disappeared. The terminus itself is built over but the coping stones at the very end at Canal head can still be seen. The centre of Kendal is reached by turning left at the terminus and heading west across the River Kent. Buses run from here back to Tewitfield and Carnforth.
Kendal is a charming old stone market town on the River Kent. There are narrow cobbled streets a medieval Shambles. Several attractive 18th century stone bridges span the River Kent. The Gothic Parish Church, which stands alongside the river, is one of the widest in the country. Kendal is also the 'Gateway' to the Lake District.
Kendal Castle. Little remains of the original Norman castle. Katherine Parr the last wife of Henry VIII lived here with her father who was lord of the castle.