Discover the Waterways at Salford

Published: 24th Jul

VISIT SALFORD - A WATERWAYS CITY

Water, water everywhere. Never was a truer word spoken about Salford. With six waterways, 30 miles of river and canals, and 112 ponds, we're literally swimming in the stuff. As well as the River Irwell, Salford added to its tally with the Bridgewater Canal opening in 1761, the Manchester Ship Canal in 1894 and two new lakes being constructed from waste ground in Blackleach Country Park and Clifton Country Park plus, of course, the old Manchester Docks, now better known as Salford Quays.

Greater Manchester's waterfront is home to bars, restaurants, hotels, residences and businesses including MediaCityUK as well as internationally renowned venues such as The Lowry, Imperial War Museum North and Manchester United Football Club. Taking advantage of the massive resource right on its doorstep, the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre offers open water swimming, yachting, canoeing and windsurfing courses and tuition for all abilities. The Quays is a popular place for many water based events from triathlons to Dragon Boat racing as well as the start and finish point for parts of The Salford Trail.

Today, those with sea legs can make the most of the city's historic waterways by cruising along the Bridgewater or around The Quays with City Centre Cruises. Travel along the Manchester Ship Canal between Liverpool and Salford Quays on Mersey Ferries or The Danny, an art deco steam ship and enjoy the contrast between industrial scenery and feasts of the natural world. A wonder of Salford's waterway world is still Barton's Swing Aqueduct, considered a major feat of Victorian civil engineering and remained in regular operation for over 120 years. Land-lubbers needn't miss out on though - try cycling along the city's network of looplines, fishing at Boothstown Marina, or a simple stroll or picnic.

Once a pivotal moment in the industrial revolution, the Bridgewater Canal is now the perfect place for recreation from barge trips, pleasure cruises and kayaking to walks, picnics and discovering heritage and wildlife.

The famous River Irwell meanders its way through the city, forming the boundary between Salford and neighbouring Trafford and Manchester city centre. Take a walk along the Irwell Sculpture Trail which takes in the river, along with Clifton Country Park and some unique outdoor art. Hear tall tales and local legends surrounding all the goings-on on the river at various historic pubs in the Chapel Street area, or simply take a walk on one of the many paths and walkways on the river's bank.

It's not just Salford Quays that was a catalyst for regeneration as the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal in Barton-upon-Irwell is the location for Port Salford, the UK's first multi-modal transport hub. Also three refurbished canal basins provide the setting for Middlewood Locks, a new waterside development of 2,000 new homes plus commercial space.

Explore Salford and discover a waterways city.