Looking for a peaceful break full of waterside pubs, countryside charm, and easy cruising? A 3-day canal boat holiday from Burscough heading westbound offers just that — no locks, no rush, just the freedom of the water and the beauty of Lancashire’s rural canal landscape.
Perfect for beginners, couples, or families, this short itinerary along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal offers a gentle cruise with charming stop-offs and towpath treats.
🗓️ Your 3-Day Westbound Canal Boat Holiday Itinerary
📍 Day 1: Burscough → Halsall (Approx. 5 miles | 2–2.5 hrs cruising)
Begin your canal boat holiday at Burscough Wharf, a vibrant hub with cafés, shops, and boat hire bases. After setting off west, you’ll pass peaceful farmland and occasional glimpses of the West Lancashire countryside.
Highlights:
- Flat, lock-free cruising — perfect for first-time skippers
- Cruise past swing bridges and rolling fields
- Spot herons, ducks, and waterside wildlife
🛶 Overnight mooring near Halsall
Moor close to the Saracens Head, a welcoming canal-side pub with good food, outdoor seating, and beautiful views. Halsall is also home to the iconic Halsall Navvy statue — a nod to the canal’s historic origins.
📍 Day 2: Halsall → Haskayne → Lydiate (Approx. 5–6 miles | 2–3 hrs cruising)
Continue cruising west through open countryside toward Haskayne and Lydiate. The canal here is peaceful, with long straight stretches and barely another boat in sight — ideal for a mindful, meditative journey.
Optional stops:
- Grab a bite or drink at The Scotch Piper (short walk from canal) — the oldest pub in Lancashire
- Explore Lydiate Hall ruins for a touch of Tudor history
- Moor near The Running Horses pub for canal-side dining
🛶 Overnight mooring near Lydiate
Enjoy a relaxed evening moored near the pub or towpath. This spot offers stargazing, fishing, and pure canal calm.
📍 Day 3: Lydiate → Return to Burscough (Approx. 10–11 miles | 4–5 hrs cruising)
Turn your narrowboat and enjoy the return leg of your canal boat holiday back to Burscough. This leg offers the same scenery — but in reverse, you’ll spot things you missed the first time. Pause for a canal picnic or mid-cruise coffee on the deck.
Along the way:
- Spot more wildlife, including swans and the occasional kingfisher
- Take turns at the tiller — great for new skippers gaining confidence
- Time your return to enjoy a farewell drink or meal at The Hop Vine or The Courtyard Café
🛶 Arrive back at Burscough Wharf by late afternoon — relaxed, refreshed, and ready to plan your next canal adventure.
🌿 Why Choose This Westbound Route?
✅ No locks – Perfect for beginners or those wanting an easier cruise
✅ Rural tranquillity – Long stretches of peaceful countryside
✅ Pub-friendly – Great food stops right on the towpath
✅ Dog-friendly & family-friendly – With lots of open space
✅ Ideal for short breaks – Out-and-back simplicity
📝 Tips for a Smooth Canal Boat Holiday
- Bring layers — canal evenings can be chilly, even in summer
- Pack snacks, binoculars, and a camera for towpath sightings
- Swing bridges may need a crew member to hop off
- Book pub tables ahead if cruising in peak season (weekends, school holidays)
📆 When’s Best to Go?
The best time for a 3-day canal boat holiday in Lancashire is April through October, when the canals are fully navigable, towpaths are dry, and daylight hours are long. Spring and early autumn are quieter if you prefer fewer boats on the move.
🚤 Let the Water Set the Pace
A 3-day canal boat holiday from Burscough heading westbound offers the perfect dose of fresh air, freedom, and float-away relaxation. With a steady cruising pace, friendly pubs, and no locks to wrestle with, it’s the ultimate weekend switch-off.
Ready to cast off? Book your boat, bring your crew, and enjoy the simple pleasure of canal life.
