Sailing under the Jolly Roger, a coach party of 55 children from Heron Hill School, Kendal, enjoyed trips on Lancaster canal in the narrow boat ‘Waterwitch’ from Crooklands Bridge landing stage this week. 

The trips were well organised by the school and split into groups of 11 children and one Teacher/minder to accommodate all would be buccaneers.          

Whilst waiting to board Waterwitch, the shore part groups took part in nature walks and talks by the Lancaster Canal Trust volunteers about the canal.

Lancaster Canal Trust volunteer ‘boat people’, namely the crew of Waterwitch, gave a commentary along the way. Talks on the wildlife, beauty, and history of the canal are a feature of these trips.

Close to the launch point for this week’s school trip is Wakefield Wharf, where gunpowder from several gunpowder works in the area were transhipped to Lancaster, Glasson Dock and Preston – then abroad.

The Lancaster canal earned its name ‘Black and White’ by carrying coal from Wigan coal fields and Limestone from Kendal quarries. Ends.

• Further information about Lancaster Canal Trust: www.lctrust.co.uk