Looking for the best canal walks in Manchester? From city-centre towpaths to scenic routes just outside the city, these walks are perfect for stretching your legs and seeing a different side of Greater Manchester.
Manchester’s canal network offers a unique way to explore the city, from its industrial past to its modern waterfronts. Once the lifeblood of the textile industry, these waterways now provide some of the best urban walking routes in the region, popular with runners, cyclists and walkers alike. Here are 5 of our favourite canal walks in Manchester.
Looking to enjoy a pint with your walk? Check out our guide to pub walks in and around Manchester.
Castlefield to Piccadilly
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This 1.5-mile route takes you across the city along the Rochdale Canal towpath, passing mills, warehouses and plenty of locks. Start your journey at Castlefield Junction, where the Bridgewater Canal meets the Rochdale Canal, before heading towards Piccadilly Basin.
Along the way, keep an eye out for the towering chimney of Bloom Street Power Station as you pass under Oxford Street Bridge towards lock 88. After walking down colourful Canal Street, you’ll finish at Piccadilly Basin, where you can grab a bench and watch the boats turn onto the Ashton Canal.
Start point: Castlefield Junction – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 1.5 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
The Saddleworth Circular
This scenic three-mile circular walk just outside Manchester combines rolling countryside, historic waterways and Pennine views. Start and finish in the village of Uppermill, following the Huddersfield Narrow Canal before looping back through fields and lanes.
Highlights include stone-arched viaducts, narrow locks and picturesque mill buildings that nod to the area’s industrial heritage. If you’re lucky, you might spot a kingfisher darting along the water’s edge. Back in Uppermill, there are plenty of places to grab a post-walk pint or slice of cake.
Start point: Wool Road, Dobcross – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: Around 3 miles.
Difficulty: Easy
Route: Check out the route.
Ashton Canal
This six-mile canal walk links the buzz of the city centre with the quieter surroundings of Ashton-under-Lyne. Starting near Piccadilly Station, follow the Ashton Canal east through Ancoats, past the Etihad Stadium and along peaceful waterside paths through Clayton, Droylsden and Audenshaw.
You’ll pass 18 locks, historic mills and industrial relics, alongside major landmarks like the National Cycling Centre. The route ends in Ashton, where the canal meets the Huddersfield Narrow Canal – ideal if you want to continue further towards the Pennines or explore the nearby Portland Basin Museum.
Start point: Ashton Canal Tow Path, off Jutland Street – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: 6 miles.
Difficulty: Easy.
Route: Check out the route.
Worsley to Leigh along the Bridgewater Canal
This picturesque eight-mile canal walk begins in leafy Worsley, known for its Tudor-style buildings and canal-side pubs. Start at the Grade II-listed Packet House, then follow the Bridgewater Canal west towards Boothstown and Astley Green.
Along the way, you’ll cross stone bridges and pass colourful narrowboats, with plenty of peaceful stretches along the towpath. The walk ends in Leigh at Pennington Flash, a 170-acre nature reserve that’s popular for birdwatching. Pack a picnic or stop off at a nearby pub for a well-earned drink.
Start point: The Packet House, Worsley – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: Around 8 miles.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
Manchester Ship Canal & Salford Quays
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While this route starts just outside Manchester, it follows one of the region’s most important waterways and finishes at Salford Quays. Begin in the village of Warburton, joining the Bollin Valley Way before connecting with the Manchester Ship Canal.
Follow the path through Partington and Carrington towards the Cadishead Viaduct, a striking 19th-century structure. From here, you can loop back or continue towards Salford Quays via Irlam and Barton-upon-Irwell. The full route sits at around 10 miles and includes some sections away from the canal.
Start point: Warburton Toll Bridge – find it on Google Maps.
Distance: Around 10 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Route: Check out the route.
