Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Grade I Claughton Hall was originally a church neighbour. All except one wing was dis-
mantled and moved to its present hilltop site.
First comes the Brock Aqueduct, where a levelling error resulted in a tunnel having to be
built under the canal for the River Brock. Just down the river valley stands the Myerscough
College on the outskirts of Bilsborrow.
The Lancashire Cycle Way crosses just before Hollowforth Aqueduct, which clears the
Barton Brook. It is followed by a swing bridge that is closed by means of a chain lying on the
bed of the canal.
The canal crosses the approach line of the main runway at Warton Aerodrome, where the
Typhoon or Eurofighter was built, tested in the mountains of the Lake District to simulate
conditions in Afghanistan.
Easing its way into Preston, the canal passes Haslam Park and crosses the Savick Aque-
duct. Proactive canal enthusiasts have canalised the Savick Brook to provide a canal link with
the rest of the canal system via the River Ribble, River Douglas and the Rufford Branch of
the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
The city largely ignores its canal and does not show its best face. A slender church spire
near Moor Park is striking. Preston was the second-oldest borough in England with a Mem-
ber of Parliament since the 13th century and a Merchants Guild that has met every 20 years
since 1542. It was a market town that developed in the Industrial Revolution, not least be-
cause Arkwright was born here in 1732 and his spinning frame of 1768 made the town a
cotton-spinning centre for 150 years.
An ornate bridge across the canal at Ellel Grange
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