Guided walk to explore Preston’s historic Tram Road

The blue plaque on the last abutment of the Old Tram Road is in Garden Street near the Fishergate car park Pic: Blog Preston — A blue plaque was recently unveiled on the last abutment of the Old Tram Road Pic: Blog Preston

A guided walk is set to explore the history of the Lancaster Canal and Tram Road in Preston.

Led by volunteer Nigel Hardacre, the 2.5-mile route offers an easy, flat walk filled with rich historical insights from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The approximately two-hour walk is organised in collaboration with the Lancaster Canal Trust and Friends of Tram Bridge, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the area’s historic infrastructure and its role in Preston’s development.

Along the way, participants will explore notable landmarks including the Old Tram Road route, the site of the original Preston Basin, hidden bridges, Lime Kilns, and other remnants of Preston’s industrial past.

Copies of The Lancaster Canal Trust’s Complete Guide, Janet Rigby’s Life on the Lancaster Canal and Gordon Biddle’s 200 Years on the Lancaster Canal will be available to buy (cash only).

The walk will meet in the centre of Winckley Square at 9.30am on Saturday 5 October.

Though the terrain is manageable, good walking shoes are recommended for comfort.

Parking is available at metered spots around Winckley Square or at the nearby Fishergate Shopping Centre car park. Preston Railway Station is a five-minute walk from the starting point.

Places must be booked by emailing nigel.hardacre@waterways.org.uk.

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This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.