Burnley's Waterscape
Burnley is surrounded by waterways - both natural and man-made, the canal, rivers and reservoirs are a great place to escape to, you can walk by the river, take a boat along the canal or go windsurfing or sailing on the reservoirs. Whatever you choose to do you will find the area rich in wildlife, excellent for fishermen and relaxing for everyone.
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal
The 127-mile long Leeds and Liverpool Canal is thought by many to be the finest in England, with spectacular Pennine views, fascinating staircases of locks and the sturdy architecture of mills, warehouses and cottages.
Constructed between 1770 and 1816 it rapidly became one of the most prosperous canals in the country and played a major part in bringing industry to the towns through which it past.
The Burnley section, which includes one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the British Canal system’ - the ‘Straight Mile’ (the impressive embankment that carries the canal 60 feet above the town), the 559-yard Gannow Tunnel and the Yorkshire Street ‘Culvert’, was one of the most difficult sections to construct. However, it created wealth in the town and provided the much-needed link with the great cities of Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.
As the canal winds its way into Burnley it passes Barden Mill where you can pick up bargains galore or have tea in Jack Moore’s Tea Room, which overlooks the canal and has impressive views of Pendle Hill. Further along the canal passes through Thompson Park before it reaches the town centre and the Weavers’ Triangle, one of the best-preserved Victorian industrial townscapes in Britain. Go to the visitor’s centre where you can find out about the history of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, learn about the cotton industry in Burnley and find out how the town used to close down for the annual wakes weeks holidays. As the canal leaves Burnley you can take the opportunity to stock up on all your boating requisites at Hapton Boat Yard and Chandlery where you can also see canal boats being refitted to the highest standards.
Today the canal is used mainly for recreational purposes from fishing and cycling to walking and canoeing. There is an abundance of wildlife along its banks and a wide assortment of waterfowl including swans, mallards and grebes. So whether you are on foot, boat or bicycle, if you keep your eyes open you will see how amazing this artery through the town really is.
Links
Reservoirs
Cant Clough – An excellent spot for walkers to see the limestone ‘Hushings’ in Shedden Clough - the site of limestone extraction in the 17th and 18th centuries; and it’s a great place for bird watchers who may be able to catch some of the rare species in their natural habitat on Worsthorne Moor.
Clowbridge – On the moors to the south of Burnley Clowbridge Reservoir is the home of Rossendale Valley Sailing Club a windsurfing and sailing school for all ages and abilities. As well as several walks in the area there is also a permanent orienteering course around the reservoir.
Coldwell – To the north east of Burnley Coldwell Reservoir is the home of Coldwell Activity Centre with its tea rooms, sensory gardens and woodland orienteering course.
Hurstwood – Near to historic Hurstwood village, the reservoir is a great place for walkers with trails leading up through the surrounding woodlands. Riders following the Mary Towneley Loop will pass the reservoir as the bridleway continues out of Burnley into Yorkshire.
Fishing
The reservoirs are ideal for anglers who can cast their line for pike, perch or trout in the area. Lowerhouse Lodges, the Fishponds at Cliviger and of course the Leeds and Liverpool canal are all excellent for course, game or fly fishing and licences, bait, rods and tackle are readily available.
Useful Contacts
- Burnley Fishing Tackle
Tel. 01282 456668 - Mack’s Fishing Tackle
Tel. 01282 427386 - Padiham Angling Centre
Tel. 01282 779131
Tony Blair's former head of communications and famous 'spin doctor' Alistair Campbell is a huge fan of Burnley Football Club and can be seen regularly at Turf Moor cheering on the Clarets.