FAMILIES looking for ideas for a low-cost summer day out are being encouraged to explore some of Greater Manchester’s best-loved waterways.
The Canal & River Trust has published its free ‘Places to Visit in the North West’ guide, showcasing destinations across the region’s canal network and offering maps, visitor information and ideas for activities.
Among the locations included is Portland Basin, in Ashton-under-Lyne, where three historic waterways – the Peak Forest, Ashton and Huddersfield Narrow canals – meet.
Once a busy hub transporting coal, cloth and other goods, the area is now home to scenic walking routes, historic narrowboats and the Portland Basin Museum. Visitors can also enjoy picnics by the aqueduct, watch boats passing through the basin and take boat trips along the canal.
Just outside Tameside, Marple Locks also features in the guide. The flight of 16 locks is one of the steepest in Britain and offers countryside walks, views of Marple Aqueduct and viaduct, and the chance to learn more about industrialist Samuel Oldknow’s impact on the area.
The guide has been launched as the charity looks to encourage more people to spend time beside the water during the summer months.
Last year, more than 10 million people visited the charity’s 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers, taking part in activities ranging from walking, running and cycling to fishing, paddleboarding and wildlife spotting.
Jon Horsfall, Canal & River Trust’s director for the North West, said: “Our canals provide free and low-cost family-friendly days out by the water, and the chance to have some fabulous waterside experiences this summer. Even in city centres, people can spot a variety of birds, animals, insects and plants along our canals and rivers. And from locks and bridges, to tunnels and aqueducts, there are hundreds of historic structures to marvel at.
“We want to encourage more people to visit our canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks so they can experience the physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits of spending time by water and find out more about the work of our charity to care for the nation’s world-famous historic network.”
The guide also includes information on attractions elsewhere in the North West and can be downloaded for free at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/free-guide