Produced in August 2007 ~ read and use at your own risk ~ Safety at all times.
Background: A two or three hour pleasant paddle on this section of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal. No locks to negotiate, unless you wish to portage around one.
Caution: A very popular spot for barges, boaters, walkers and fishermen, please remember to follow the code.
The name Appley Bridge apparently comes from a large apple tree which was next to the bridge used to gain access to the village from the south over the River Douglass and apart from a few houses the tree and bridge were only main feature of the village for early settlers. The bridge has been replaced several times and is currently a flat stone bridge, the tree however is no longer there. It has also been suggested that the apple tree was cut down and used to build the first bridge but there are no official records to back up either version but it is widely accepted that one of those explanations is the correct one.
Links: http://www.canoe-trails.co.uk http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/ll/ll2.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appley_Bridge http://canoetrails.myphotoalbum.com/ Narrative: This trail or more of a paddle about, at leisure, in the West Lancashire countryside. Situated 3 or so miles from Wigan in Greater Manchester, which reflects its close ties with Industry and Canals. Your paddling in one direction takes you to ‘Lock 91, Appley Deep Lock’, which has a wide approach and is lovely on the eye. In the other direction, past the WatersEdge Pub, is ‘Bridge 43, Finch Mill, swing bridge, which you can canoe under, WITH CARE and is good fun. This bridge is in the direction of Gathurst and Wigan. I parked on Canal Bank, (see photo) near cottages and the gate, with a grassy ‘put in’ spot for ease and care of your hull. There is also parking opposite. Plenty of activity, but not busy. With boaters and fishermen and the usual chat. Nice.
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