Bridgewater Canal

About

The Bridgewater Canal opened in 1761. Built to transport the Duke of Bridgewater's coal from his mine at Worsley, it has a special place in history as the first canal that cut across country rather than following an existing river course. The canal continued to carry commercial traffic until 1974 to service businesses in Trafford Park.

In Trafford the canal flows through Dunham, passes through the centre of Sale town centre, carries on through Stretford where a new marina is now open. A little further on the canal splits at “Waters Meeting”, one fork heading out to Barton-upon-Irwell and the swing aqueduct, the other heading into Manchester. A little further along the Manchester fork brings you to Old Trafford Football Ground from where “The Quays” is just a 5 minute walk. The towpath is widely used by local and long distance walkers and is also home for many different species of flora and fauna.

The canal is part of the Cheshire Ring comprising seven canals totaling about 100 miles of lock free boating and is a vital link for cruising between the Southern and Northern national canal networks. The Bridgewater Way is a regeneration project that is creating a 65km/39 mile leisure route for walkers and cyclists along the canal as and when funding is achieved. The first section in Trafford between Sale & Stretford was completed in 2009, with a second section from Streford Town Centre to Waters Meeting now approved. Please note the postcode and map relate to Kendal Road Marina close to Waters Meeting.