Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Douglas Valley
As a family business, we understand how difficult it can be to lose a loved one. Like you, we have experienced the loss of family, friends, and pets, and we recognise that everyone grieves in their own way.
When you choose to scatter ashes or hold a wake aboard Kittywake, this is not only a moment of mourning — it is a celebration. A celebration of a life lived: their passions, achievements, quirks, and even their imperfections.
Our aim is to make this experience as simple and supportive as possible, giving you the space to grieve, reflect, and celebrate in whatever way feels right.
Ceremony Experience
Your journey begins at Wigan Pier, where our spacious boats provide a warm, comfortable, and private setting for your gathering.
During the cruise, you are free to hold any form of ceremony — whether quiet reflection, spoken tributes, or music that holds special meaning.
At a peaceful point along the canal, we will slow or gently pause the boat for approximately 10–15 minutes, allowing you time to say your goodbyes and commit the ashes to the water.
Ashes are placed in a biodegradable water urn, which gently disperses in the flowing canal.
The Journey of the Water
The waters of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal continue their natural journey, joining the River Mersey, flowing onward into the Irish Sea, and eventually the vast Atlantic Ocean.
For many families, this offers a powerful sense of connection and continuity.
| Location | Cruises from Wigan Pier, Wallgate, Wigan, Lancashire |
| Area of operation | The Leeds and Liverpool Canal from Wigan. |
| Type of boat | Passenger Trip Boat |
| Duration of trip | 2 Hours. |
| Capacity of boat | 40 guests |
| Refreshments | Tea and Coffee and a fully licensed, well stocked bar. |
| Additional info | This location is ideal for Hindus or Sikh families as the water does flow. There are food & buffet options and a stereo system on-board. The trip from Wigan Pier goes through the beautiful Douglas valley to Dean Lock at Gathurst. It is a fully heated, safe and spacious cabin (see picture below) and they operate daytime & evening cruises. There is a toilet on-board. Free parking is close by and there is a train station within 5 minutes walking distance from the boat. |
| Ceremony | Scattering ashes directly onto the water can lead to them being blown about which some families may find distressing. We supply a wide range of urns specifically designed for water ceremonies. They are all 100% biodegradable and will dissolve in water – please follow the link: Water Urns We also supply a water ceremony set which includes a water urn, flower petals for scattering, Promises – dissolvable notelets for scattering with the ashes, a certificate to record the ceremony, and our award winning (and rated 5* on Amazon) guide book: follow the link – 4th Ceremony Set |
| Cost | £300 |
| Recording your Scattering | Record a location where you have scattered your loved-one’s ashes so generations to come can find them for all time on The Ashes Register |
Next Steps… If you would like more information or to enquire about availability, please fill in the form below.
The boat operator will then contact you directly as soon as they can.
If you have an urgent request you will be sent the direct telephone number via email as soon as you have submitted the form.
Please note Scattering Ashes is not the boat operator, filling in the form below is the quickest way to speak with the skipper.