A £1.1 million project is underway to improve a four-mile stretch of the Lancaster Canal towpath.
The enhancement aims to make the Northern Reaches of the canal more accessible for residents and visitors.
The project is a collaboration between Canal & River Trust, Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership, and Westmorland and Furness Council.
Funds for the project were secured by these organisations.
The towpath improvement project, which will form part of the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail between Kendal and Lancaster, will see more than four miles of the path enhanced.
The stretch from Field End Bridge 169, near Stainton, to just north of Holme Village, will be widened and resurfaced.
CPC Civils Group, engineering contractors, have been charged with completing the work, which is expected to finish by January 2025.
The Canal & River Trust will oversee the project.
The new surface will be made of locally sourced self-binding gravel, chosen for its hardwearing qualities and ability to fit in with the rural environment.
The gravel will also help reduce the amount of mud and puddles on the path.
"This towpath upgrade project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make our canals more welcoming and attractive.
"This much-needed work will significantly improve the towpath’s usability, offering opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in active travel, walk, cycle, and run, and take part in leisure activities."
The project is being financed by Westmorland and Furness Council through the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Additional funds are being provided by legacy grants from Cumbria County Council and South Lakeland District Council.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "An important part of our vision for Westmorland and Furness is supporting access to the outdoors and opportunities to live well and enjoy our wonderful surroundings.
"It was great to see for ourselves the progress being made on the beautiful Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, keeping its storied heritage alive and making it accessible for all to enjoy.
"We allocated £8.1 million from the government's UK Shared Prosperity and Rural England Prosperity funds to 22 projects, focussing on boosting communities and place.
"It was fantastic to see at first hand the results of the grant to Canal & River Trust on a project which will deliver far-reaching benefits to our area."
The Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, a fully accessible section of the canal, will celebrate the canal's heritage and follow the original towpath.
It will promote walking, cycling and other activities.
Helen Watson-Moriarty, from Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership, said: "The Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership were delighted to work alongside Canal & River Trust and Westmorland and Furness Council to secure this funding and become the delivery partner for the engagement and promotion aspects of the wider project.
"Everyone is welcome at the events we are delivering, and we encourage everyone to check out the recommended loop walks on the new Towpath Trail website."
Several promotional events have already been held for the new trail, including two Pie and Paddle sessions and the Crooklands ‘Canalathon’.
The Canalathon saw competitors paddle boarding and either running or walking along the towpath to help raise funds towards the improvement works.
For further information on the new Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail, and the opportunities for walking, cycling and paddling, go to their website.
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