Explore These Relaxing Canal Holiday Routes on a Weekend Escape
Looking for the perfect weekend getaway that combines peace, scenery, and a little adventure? Burscough Wharf, nestled on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Lancashire, is the ideal starting point for a canal holiday route you can enjoy in just a few days.
Whether you’re new to boating or a seasoned cruiser, these weekend canal holiday routes offer a mix of charming villages, open countryside, and great mooring spots—with just the right amount of locks and landmarks for a short break.
🗺️ Route 1: Burscough to Parbold & Back
Travel Time: ~6–7 hours round trip
Locks: None
This is one of the easiest and most scenic weekend cruises—perfect for beginners or families. Heading east from Burscough, the route meanders through open countryside and farmland. In just a few hours, you’ll reach the pretty village of Parbold, with its canal-side pubs, cafés, and independent shops.
Highlights:
- No locks (ideal for first-timers)
- Great pubs like The Windmill or The Stocks Tavern
- Beautiful mooring spots with countryside views
🌄 Ideal for: Relaxed cruising, towpath walks, and a quiet pint in a village pub.
🛶 Route 2: Burscough to Appley Bridge & Return
Travel Time: ~8–9 hours round trip
Locks: 2 (Appley Lock)
For a slightly longer route, continue past Parbold toward Appley Bridge, a charming canal-side village with a railway station and a few lovely walking trails. This journey includes Appley Lock, offering a bit of hands-on canal experience without overloading your weekend.
Highlights:
- One working lock for a bit of boating fun
- Scenic rural stretches with wildlife
- Lovely stop at Appley Bridge or nearby canal inns
🔧 Great for: Boaters who want to try a lock or two without too much effort.
🏙️ Route 3: Burscough to Wigan Pier (Short Version)
Travel Time: ~10–12 hours round trip
Locks: ~6
This slightly more ambitious route takes you toward Wigan, where canal history meets urban regeneration. It’s a longer journey best suited for an active weekend crew—but worth it if you’re up for the challenge.
You’ll pass through peaceful stretches, rural locks, and reach Wigan Pier, once a key stop for transporting coal and goods during the industrial revolution.
Highlights:
- Historic Wigan Flight (you’ll tackle part of it)
- Museums, pubs, and city walks
- Moorings near regenerated canal areas
💪 Best for: Experienced boaters or energetic weekend adventurers.
🦆 Extra Tip: Make It a One-Way Trip
Some boat hire companies offer one-way trips with collection/drop-off options—great if you want to see more without rushing back. Ask about flexible weekend routes starting or ending at Burscough Wharf.
🧳 What to Pack for a Weekend Canal Holiday
- Non-slip shoes or boots
- Waterproofs (just in case!)
- Easy meals or pub stop plans
- A camera or binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Board games, books, and towpath-friendly activities for kids
❤️ Why Choose a Weekend Canal Break?
A short canal holiday from Burscough Wharf gives you:
- A change of pace without going far
- Time to connect with nature and each other
- A break from screens, traffic, and daily stress
And because the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is so well maintained and full of variety, you don’t need a week to feel like you’ve escaped.
So next time you have a free weekend, don’t just stay home—set off from Burscough Wharf and see where the canal takes you. Quiet, quirky, and wonderfully slow… it’s a route worth taking.
