The Bridgewater Way

Overview

If you fancy some fresh air during your stay in Manchester, then head down to the Bridgewater Way. The Bridgewater Way is a free long-distance path running alongside the Bridgewater Canal. The entire distance is 39 miles (65 kilometres), and the path is currently undergoing regeneration to further enhance it.

Walkers and runners will enjoy this traffic-free canal-side path, and you can do as long a distance as you like. There are shorter strolls for little legs and longer routes for those who want to challenge themselves.

The Bridgewater Way is suitable for families with children, solo travellers, groups of friends, and couples. It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours when the weather is fine in Manchester.

Can you walk along the Bridgewater Canal?

Yes, you can walk along the towpath alongside the Bridgewater Canal. You can walk all the way from one end of the path to the other if you’re feeling adventurous. Choose whether to do an out-and-back route or walk to a different area and catch a bus back into Manchester.

Work is currently being done to improve the route by upgrading the path’s surface, widening it, and creating new access points, and making the path more pleasant and inviting.

Some sections of the path may be closed from time to time for the improvements, so be sure to check the status of the path before you travel.

Completed sections of the Bridgewater Way include Manchester and Trafford, from Castlefield to Altrincham town centre, which is the nearest part of the path to YHA Manchester.

You can also cycle on selected stretches of the path that have been updated as part of the Bridgewater Way. The path is relatively flat, so it can be enjoyed by cyclists of all abilities, from first timers to experts.

Where does the Bridgewater Canal start and finish?

The Bridgewater Canal runs from Runcorn to Leigh in the northwest of England. The canal is 39 miles (65 kilometres) long.

Can you run along the Bridgewater Canal?

Yes, the path is excellent for runners as it is flat and has a good, even surface. It’s suitable for running in all weathers, and you can choose how far you wish to run.

How deep is the Bridgewater Canal?

The Bridgewater Canal is up to 6.6 feet (2 metres) deep in places. Remember to supervise children near the canal, and please note that it is not suitable for swimming.

Why is it called the Bridgewater Canal?

The Bridgewater Canal is named after Francis Egerton, the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, who had the canal built for moving coal from his mines to nearby cotton workers during the Industrial Revolution.

Is the Bridgewater Way accessible?

In the places where the paths have been updated and widened, they are suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users. The path is mainly flat.

Bridgewater Canal history

The Bridgewater Canal was built over 250 years ago in the 1760s by the Duke of Bridgewater. It is thought to be the first true canal that was ever constructed in England, and it started a trend in the late 18th and early 19th centuries for building canals as part of the Industrial Revolution.

The canal is all on one level and follows the land contours, eliminating the need for locks.

The duke made the canal so that he could transport coal from his mine at Worsley in Greater Manchester to the expanding towns and cities nearby. This was a cheap and efficient way to do so.

In its heyday, over 3 million tonnes of boats were using the canal. It is now popular with leisure boaters.

Along the route, there are information boards and interpretation to give you more information about the Bridgewater Canal’s fascinating history.

Other things to do on the Bridgewater Canal

As well as the walking route alongside the canal, you can actually get out onto the water with a range of water sports available. You can bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddle board for another free activity in Manchester, but you must be a member of British Canoeing to use it on the canal.

Things to do on the Bridgewater Canal:

Walking
Cycling
Running
Paddle boarding
Canoeing
Kayaking
Fishing

You can also fish on the Bridgewater Canal, and again, you will need to obtain a license for this. Fish commonly found in the Bridgewater Canal include:

Rudd
Roach
Carp
Perch
Bream
Tench
Pike

How to get to the Bridgewater Way from YHA Manchester

The Bridgewater Canal Towpath is just a stone’s throw from YHA Manchester. The easiest and quickest ways to get onto the path are by walking and cycling. There is no access to the tow path by car, so you’re best to leave it behind.

On foot: It’s just a five-minute walk from the Youth Hostel to the Bridgewater Way. You’ll just need to leave the hostel, turn left, and then cross the canal, and you’ll be on the tow path.

Cycling: It only takes about two minutes to cycle from the hostel to the Bridgewater Way.