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Cruising the Ashton Canal is not too tricky with 18 lock in less than seven miles.
Some short stay mooring at the Manchester end next to Morrisons car park
It is a narrow canal at many of its bridges. Only 18 locks at the westward end near the Rochdale Canal.
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Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductThe Ashton Canal is one of the most picturesque and historically significant waterways in Greater Manchester, offering a unique blend of industrial heritage and modern attractions. Ideal for narrowboat holidays, this 6.8-mile canal connects the bustling city of Manchester to the tranquillity of the Peak Forest Canal. It’s a perfect destination for waterway enthusiasts, history buffs, and families seeking a distinctive British holiday.
Initially designed to transport coal and goods from the collieries and mills of Ashton-under-Lyne to Manchester. Today, it has transformed into a serene retreat for boaters and tourists, maintaining its historical charm while serving as a vibrant recreational hub.
Stretching from the heart of Manchester to Dukinfield Junction, the Ashton Canal offers a combination of urban excitement and rural beauty. With 18 locks and several points of interest, it’s a favourite route for narrow-boaters seeking an immersive experience of British waterway tourism.
Why Choose the Ashton Canal for a Narrowboat Holiday?
Easy Accessibility and Convenient Connections
The Ashton Canal is well-connected, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Britain’s extensive canal network. It links to the Rochdale Canal in Manchester and the Peak Forest Canal at Dukinfield, providing endless opportunities for extended boating adventures.
A Relaxed and Scenic Route
The canal’s manageable length and moderate number of locks make it a great choice for both novice and experienced narrow-boaters. The journey offers stunning views of Manchester’s skyline, charming canal-side villages, and the lush greenery of the surrounding countryside.
Top Attractions Along the Ashton Canal
Castlefield Basin (Starting Point)
Located in the heart of Manchester, Castlefield Basin is a hub of activity and a perfect spot to begin your journey. This historic area, recognised as Britain’s first Urban Heritage Park, features cobbled streets, waterside bars, and iconic railway viaducts. It’s a lively starting point where you can soak in Manchester’s rich industrial heritage.
New Islington Marina
As you navigate the Ashton Canal, the New Islington Marina is a must-visit stop. This modern urban oasis boasts beautifully landscaped surroundings, independent eateries, and family-friendly attractions. It’s an excellent place to pause, relax, and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere.
Clayton Hall
History lovers will appreciate a visit to Clayton Hall, a beautifully preserved Grade II* listed building near the canal. This medieval manor house offers a glimpse into the past, complete with period furnishings and interactive exhibits. It’s a short walk from the towpath and provides a fascinating break from your journey.
Droylsden Marina
Located midway along the canal, Droylsden Marina is a picturesque spot offering mooring facilities and canal-side cafes. It’s a great place to refuel and explore the local area. The marina often hosts events, making it a lively stop for families and social gatherings.
Portland Basin Museum
At the end of the Ashton Canal, near Dukinfield Junction, the Portland Basin Museum is a highlight of any trip. Housed in a restored 19th-century warehouse, the museum explores Tameside’s industrial history and its connection to the canal system. Visitors can learn about the region’s heritage through interactive exhibits, making it a fantastic attraction for all ages.
Modern-Day Experiences on the Ashton Canal
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
Despite its urban setting, the Ashton Canal is a haven for wildlife. Boaters can spot swans, ducks, and herons along the waterway, while the towpaths are lined with wildflowers and greenery. It’s a peaceful retreat where nature thrives amidst the city.
Cycling and Walking Trails
The canal’s towpaths are popular for walking and cycling, offering a scenic route through Greater Manchester. These paths are well-maintained and ideal for families, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to explore the area from a different perspective.
Festivals and Events
The Ashton Canal frequently hosts festivals, such as the annual Canal Festival at Portland Basin. These events celebrate the waterway’s heritage and feature activities like live music, food stalls, and narrowboat parades, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors.
Dining and Accommodation Options
Waterside Dining
The Ashton Canal boasts a range of dining options, from traditional pubs to modern cafes. The Wharf in Castlefield Basin is a standout choice, offering delicious meals in a picturesque setting. For a more casual option, the canal-side eateries at New Islington Marina are perfect for a quick bite.
Unique Stays
For accommodation, narrowboats double as cosy and unique places to stay during your holiday. Alternatively, nearby hotels and guesthouses in Manchester and Tameside provide comfortable options for those who prefer to sleep on land.
Tips for Narrowboat Holidays on the Ashton Canal
Plan Your Route: While the Ashton Canal is relatively short, planning your itinerary allows you to maximise your experience. Consider combining your trip with the Rochdale or Peak Forest Canals for a longer adventure.
Check Lock Operating Times: The canal’s locks are straightforward to use, but it’s wise to check their operating times and ensure you have enough daylight for your journey.
Pack Essentials: Bring weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable footwear for exploring towpaths, and a good camera to capture the stunning views.
Book Ahead: If renting a narrowboat, book in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons.
The Ashton Canal is a historic waterway in Greater Manchester, England, which was constructed in the late 18th century to transport goods and raw materials to the town of Ashton-under-Lyne. The canal was designed by the engineer Benjamin Outram and opened in 1796.
The Ashton Canal runs for 6.8 miles from its junction with the Rochdale Canal at Ducie Street in Manchester, through the town of Ashton-under-Lyne. It then makes its way uphill to Fairfield where it levels out for the final lockless stretch of 3.2 miles and moving into the Huddersfield Narrow Canal at Dukinfield.
The canal played an important role in the transport of coal and other raw materials during the Industrial Revolution, and helped to establish Manchester and Ashton-under-Lyne as major industrial centres. The canal was also used for the transport of goods such as timber, iron, and corn, as well as passengers and livestock.
Today, this Manchester canal is a green link from the city centre to Ashton-under-Lyne, bordered by an interesting mix of modern and industrial architecture. Improvements to the towpath have made it into a pleasant route, accessible to walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users.
Completed in 1792 and like a lot of the canals in the area, to serve the coal industry. This canal was a crucial link across the Pennines and was still commercially used up to the early 1950's.
Falling into decline many areas of the canal, including all of its branches fell into decline. Sadly the canal was in such decline that it almost disappeared. If not for largely volunteer groups in the early 1960's, who helped restore the canal over several years. These working parties continued into and beyond 1972. The canal finally reopened in 1974, in the main, to tourist traffic.
All the branches remained unsaved and many have been built over in the following 40 or 50 years.
For holiday makers and live-aboard's alike, the Ashton Canal is a vital link to the Cheshire Ring.
Today, the canal is used for recreational purposes such as boating, fishing, and walking, and is an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of Manchester and Ashton-under-Lyne. The canal has also been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and is home to a range of wildlife.
Exploring the Heritage of the Ashton Canal
Industrial Revolution Significance
The Ashton Canal was a lifeline for Greater Manchester during the Industrial Revolution, facilitating the movement of coal, textiles, and raw materials. Its strategic importance contributed to the region’s economic growth and industrial dominance.
Restoration and Modern Use
Like many British canals, the Ashton Canal fell into decline in the mid-20th century. However, thanks to dedicated restoration efforts, it was reopened for leisure use in the 1970's. Today, it’s a well-maintained waterway, blending historical features with modern amenities.
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