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If you are looking to explore Manchester’s canals, well you’ve come to the right place. There are a ton of canal walks in Manchester and nearby.
Whether you are searching for a short stroll, or a 5.5-mile spritely canal walk, we are here to help. These canal walks are some of the best walks in Manchester. There is plenty to see along the way and they are relatively quiet routes.
Whether you are looking to explore Salford Quays, or something a little further away in Bolton you’ll find a walk to suit you.
In this post we will discuss the 12 best canal walks in Manchester (and nearby). So, if you are looking for some walking inspiration keep reading.
The Wharf Manchester City Walk, Castlefield
- Time / Distance: 1h / 1.9 mile
If you are searching for easy Manchester canal walking routes, then this is the perfect loop trail. This Castlefield canal walk explores the intricate waterways of the Bridgewater Canal.
This canal walk starts at The Wharf pub and loops back around.
This is the perfect walk knowing you can reward yourself with a pint of beer by the canal when you’ve finished.
It’s best to park at The Wharf car park right alongside the Bridgewater Canal.
You’ll be able to complete this walking route in an hour, seeing a variety of places along the way. The route leads you along a variety of waterside and inner-city paths.
It’s great to do this walk in the early evening because the bars and restaurants in the area will start to open, adding some extra hustle and bustle.
You’ll be able to see a variety of Manchester landmarks including the Beetham Tower and more.
🎥 This canal in Manchester was also used as a filming location for Peaky Blinders.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Manchester city centre it’s easiest to get the tramway from St Peter’s Square to Deansgate-Castlefield. You can follow the blue, green, pink, or purple lines.
The journey takes just 15 minutes, then you’ll need to walk beside the canal for further 20 minutes to reach The Wharf. If you’re driving, you can head along the A56 and park at the pub car park.
Manchester Ship Canal and Salford Quays
- Time/ Distance: 1hr 40min / 5 miles
The Manchester Ship Canal is an iconic industrial landmark and played a pivotal role in the city’s history.
Though the Manchester Ship Canal is 36 miles long, this walk will take you along 5 miles of waterway.
This walk starts in Warburton where you first head along the Bollin Valley Way. You head along the trail northeast until it joins the canal with Glazebrook.
The path then continues towards Carrington. Along the way you’ll discover a 19th century viaduct before heading back to Warburton.
You’ll also pass the Paddington Meadows Nature Reserve, a beautifully serene part of the walk.
Alternatively, you can start at the other end of the trail at Salford Quays.
💡 Did you know why there are so many canals in Manchester? They were built to transport various products. The main one, Manchester Ship Canal was built to reduce transportation costs for the cotton coming from Liverpool.
HOW TO GET THERE: It takes around 35 minutes to reach Warburton from Manchester by car.
Rochdale Canal Towpath from Piccadilly
If you are looking for a nice canal walk in Manchester city centre, this one is for you!
From Piccadilly Station, walk to Ducie Street and turn right to find the canal.
Here you will find a towpath that takes you all along the 32 miles of the Rochdale canal.
Of course, we are not suggesting you should walk that much but this is a great place to go for a leisurely stroll in Manchester city centre.
It feels very peaceful, it’s quite quiet and very pretty. You will find boats, pretty houses and in spring, you can also admire some cherry blossoms.
Ashton Canal from Paradise Wharf
- Time / Distance: 35 minutes / 1.3 miles (+return)
The Ashton Canal runs from Manchester eastwards towards Ashton under Lyne. This canal forms part of the “Cheshire Ring” where a few canals connect.
The Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the Peak Forest Canal, the Rochdale Canal, and the Bridgewater Canal all intertwine with the Ashton Canal.
The Ashton Canal originally ran from a large basin which is now the location of Manchester Piccadilly Station.
This canal walk takes you along some of the more industrial parts of Manchester so there’s always something to see.
HOW TO GET THERE: This canal walk in Manchester is super easy to get to from the city centre. In just 15 minutes you can walk to Paradise Wharf where the walk starts. Head along Piccadilly Road, and then take a left onto Ducie Street.
Bridgewater Canal walk from Trafford to Worsley
- Time / Distance: 2h50 / 7.5 miles
Of the canal walks near Manchester the Bridgewater Canal from Trafford to Worsley is a great route. At 7.5 miles it’s the longest route on this list of best canal walks in Manchester.
Whether you are looking for an interesting running route or just a long walk this is the canal trip for you.
This is also one of the quietest canal walks, you may only meet a couple of people for the duration of the walk.
This walk starts from the United Trinity Statue right beside Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
The Bridgewater Canal is steeped in history and first opened in 1761. Along this canal walk, you’ll experience Manchester’s heavy industrial landscape and history.
You’ll head through Trafford Park which was the first industrial estate in the world.
If you are mid-walk and fancy a spot of shopping, you can access the Trafford Centre. Soon after the Trafford Centre, the landscape changes again. Long boats are floating on the canal and trees line the pathway.
By the time you reach Worsley the landscape changes again. There’s Worsley Delph a stone quarry and a system of underground tunnels
HOW TO GET THERE: Driving to United Trinity Statue (the start of the route) takes just 15 minutes from the centre of Manchester. As it’s at the United ground there are a few car parks in the area. It is also easy to take the tram starting at the China Town stop and getting off at Chester Road/ Warwick Road.
Bridgewater Canal and Transpennine Trail
- Time / Distance: 2h / 5.2 miles
Of the canal walks around Manchester the Bridgewater Canal and Transpennine Trail is an excellent long walk.
This canal walk starts near Altrincham and is an easy and enjoyable route. It’s most popular among hikers, runners, and those out for an afternoon stroll. This is also a dog and bike-friendly route so keep an ear out for cyclists.
If you are visiting the canal after it rains, it’s best to bring some sturdy shoes as it can get quite muddy in places.
Along this route, you’ve got to stop off at Dunham Ice Cream Farm where there are farm animals to see and ice-creams to devour.
Please note that while this is a nice Manchester canal walk, you can also do other activities on the Bridgewater canal such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
HOW TO GET THERE: This loop trail starts in Oldfield Brow in Altrincham right by the Bridgewater Canal. From the city centre, it’s a 35-minute drive along the A56. You can find parking in Oldfield Brow or street parking closer to the start of the trail.
Chadderton and Rochdale Canal
- Time / Distance: 1h50 / 5 miles
This is one of the best canal walks near Manchester. This 5-mile canal walk is an out-and-back trail. Though it takes nearly two hours to complete, it’s a flat and easy route.
Whether you want to walk your dog, go for a run, or just take a daytime stroll the Chadderton and Rochdale Canal is a fantastic location.
This route starts along Hunt Lane in Chadderton and past Radclyffe School before reaching the canal. The canal is interspersed with locks and is mostly lined with trees.
HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get to this canal walk is to drive. To reach Hunt Lane from Manchester it’s a 25-minute drive along the A62 and A663.
Bridgewater Canal Trail in Dunham
- Time / Distance: 1h / 2.6 miles
The Bridgewater Canal Trail starts and ends in Altrincham.
If you are looking for an early evening date night activity, then this is one of the most romantic walks in Manchester.
The route goes through the countryside and the canal is lined with cute arched bridges and plenty of trees.
People enjoy walking, running, and biking along the Bridgewater Canal Trail.
This walk begins at Back Lane in Dunham Town, and you can complete this canal walk in around an hour.
The end of this route is at Seamons Road around 2.6 miles from the start point. Whilst you can continue along the canal, many choose to turn back.
HOW TO GET THERE: This canal walk near Manchester is best accessed by car. From Manchester’s city centre, it takes just over 30 minutes.
Head south along the A56 and then along the A6144 towards Dunham Massey. There are a few street parking spots along Back Lane, where you can access the canal.
Huddersfield Narrow Canal walk via Uppermill
- Time / Distance: 1h50 / 4 mile
This is a lovely canal walk along Huddersfield Narrow Canal. It’s a loop route that will take just under two hours to complete.
This is a popular track, particularly at the weekend when people want to connect with nature.
You’ll find people walking, running, and birding. If you are looking for dog walks in Manchester or nearby, this is an excellent route. Since some of the pathways is along a bridle way though, dogs must be kept on a lead.
The route takes you along the canal, which has lots of locks and then returns along the bridle way. The views are beautiful, mostly of Saddleworth Moor and the countryside.
HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get to this walk is by car. It takes around 50 minutes to reach the Dobcross area where the walk starts. You’ll want to head to the Lime Kiln Café along the A670.
Saddleworth Circuit
- Time / Distance: 2h / 4 miles
The Saddleworth Circuit is a beautiful walk that starts from the Brownhill Countryside Centre.
The route heads out towards the cutely named Diggle village.
Along the way, there are five locks which are part of the Diggle flight.
The views are brilliant on this walk, you can see across to Lark Hill and the Pennine Hills as well.
Birds are tweeting in the trees, and you really feel as if you’re in the countryside.
The walk is generally considered easy, though there are a few hilly sections. Some of the walk’s highlights include weaver’s cottage, Saddleworth Church, and the village of Uppermill.
HOW TO GET THERE: You’ll want to head to the Brownhill Countryside Center on Wool Road in Oldham to start this walk. From Manchester’s city centre, it takes around 45 minutes to reach the start of this walk. By train, you should head to Greenfield which is the nearest station.
Bolton to Bury Canal Walk
- Time / Distance: 2h30 / 5 miles
Another of the best canal walks near Manchester is along the Bury Canal.
This walk starts at Moses Gate Country Park on Hall Lane in Bolton. There is a handy free parking spot right at the start of this walk.
You don’t just get to follow the canal ways on this walk, you also get to follow the River Croal and the River Irwell.
It may be hard to believe but the area surrounding the Bury Canal was once a thriving industrial area. Today it’s quite the contrast, with nature blossoming.
HOW TO GET THERE: If you want to get the train to Bolton Head to Moses Gate station. Driving to the Moses Gate Country Park takes around 40 minutes.
Marple Lock Walks
- Time / Distance: 30 minutes / 1 mile
Marple is situated southeast of Manchester and Stockport. This is one of the best canal walks in Greater Manchester.
If you are looking for an easy and quick canal walk this is the one for you. Though it’s short, this walk takes you through a beautiful section of the Peak Forest Canal.
Highlights of this walk include the Marple Lock Flight, which consists of 16 canal locks all within one mile.
During the summer months, there are lots of boats, and it’s entertaining to watch them all going through the plethora of locks.
This walk starts at Marple Memorial Park. You’ll see a footpath leading down to the canal, then head along the towpath going north where you’ll soon find the lock flight.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Manchester, it’s quickest and easiest to drive to Marple. Head to the start of the trail at Marple Memorial Park where you will find a car park.
Macclesfield Canal
- Time / Distance: 3h / 5.5 miles
This Macclesfield Canal walk is one of the “nearby” Manchester canal walking routes. Macclesfield is around an hour’s drive from Manchester, but this canal walk is well worth the drive.
This 5.5-mile walk takes around 3 hours to complete. It’s an out-and-back trail and is accessible throughout the year.
The route starts at Cowbrook Lane in Macclesfield, when you’ve had enough, or the light begins to fade, simply turn around and head back.
Families, runners, and people with dogs will love this canal walk. There are dense trees along most of the route which makes for a beautifully tranquil walk.
Stone bridges stretch over the canal and colourful barges can be seen along the walk.
HOW TO GET THERE: To reach Macclesfield from Manchester it’s easiest to drive via the A5103. You can also take the train to Macclesfield which takes just 30 minutes and costs less than £10. From the station, you can take the 109 bus from Stand 9 in town.
We hope you enjoy this article and if you know any more walks along Manchester canals, let us know!
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