Ancoats Marina and Locks
A short walk round the new developments along the canals of Islington and Ancoats. Very nice on a sunny day.
The Route
Starting near Piccadilly, you join the Rochdale Canal, then cross over to the Ashton Canal to come back. It's not long, and very easily walked with no preparation. It may make a nice saunter for lunch, should you work in a nearby office.
Finding the Rochdale Canal
You can find the canal by heading up Ducie Street, and towards the GoOutdoors. There are blue signposts pointing you in the right direction as well.
Rochdale Canal
Head along the canal, enjoying the peace and quiet. The canal here I found to be surprisingly clean and pleasant. The area is well-developed, having been improved recently.
In particular, the Royal Mill overlooks a lock on the left, with some public seating.
New Islington Marina
You will turn right at the Marina. Crossing the "Cast No Shadow Bridge" (look down), you will go down the Marina. There's half a dozen cafés and bars here, and it is a very lively area. You can also cross over, where you'll find a small park to wander round. Continue down to Ashton Canal and turn right.
Ashton Canal
Heading back towards the centre now. It passes one of the oldest locks on the canal, which is guarded by the Lock Keeper's Cottage. This building is currently being restored. And it is a beautiful spot for artists and photographers. Heading further along, you cross a canal aqueduct.
Returning to Piccadilly
You'll end up on the same road you walked down. Head down the road to Piccadilly and you are there.
Image Gallery
Getting to the start
Train
Served by two main stations, Victoria and Piccadilly, the city centre has regular service from all over the country.. The rail network is surprisingly well spread, being a legacy from the Industrial Revolution, where the outer mill towns needed regular service.
Metrolink
The Metrolink network serves much of Greater Manchester. Its best feature is its regularity. With one every 12 minutes on every line, you don't even really need to plan, just turn up and one will be there shortly.
Bus
The Greater Manchester Bee Network means all buses into the centre are £2 for a single, and £5 for a day rover, which gets you on any bus all day. The network serves most of Manchester, and is regular during peak times. Just heck ahead on a weekend as services are less common, but normally at least hourly.
Car
Driving to Manchester is easy. There is paid parking all around the centre. Just follow the signs to Manchester.
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