Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
42
Leeds & Liverpool Canal: Rufford Branch
Distance
12km from the main line to the River Douglas
Highlights
Lathom conservation area
Rufford Old Hall, the finest of its kind in Lancashire
Navigation Authority
Canal & River Trust
OS 1:50,000 Sheets
102 Preston & Blackpool
108 Liverpool
From 1740 until late in the 18th century boats wishing to travel from Wigan to Preston did so
via the River Douglas. The Rufford Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, also known as
the Lower Douglas Navigation, provided an alternative route for much of the distance. It was
opened in 1781, long before the main line of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal was completed in
1816.
Running north, it drops quickly at first from the main line at Burscough Bridge to cross
Burscough, Mawdesley and Croston Mosses. This is flat but fertile farmland, which forms the
Lancashire coastal plain, a completely rural route.
Turning off the main line, the Rufford Branch passes under an imposing arched bridge of
1816 and immediately enters the most interesting area on the branch, the canal settlement
around the basin at Lathom, a conservation area. On the left is a dry dock with all its boat sup-
port saddles in place. The dock is filled by allowing water in from the basin and emptied by
permitting it to drain out further down the lock flight, a very neat and simple system.
Beside Lathom Bottom Lock is the Ship Inn. It has a rather higher class of customer than in
earlier days, when it went under the name of the Blood Tub.
The bywash at each lock is unusual in that it is exposed and runs past the lock in large sec-
tion culvert at high level, discharging down to the lower level in the vicinity of the bottom gate.
Paddle gear for filling locks is also unusual, taking the appearance of a couple of miniature
