Walking from Manchester to Whaley Bridge
Route facts
Waterways:
Ashton Canal »
Peak Forest Canal »
Distance: 19.88 / 32
Duration: 8 hours
Starts at: Manchester
Ends at: Whaley Bridge
This route takes you along two of Lancashire's canals, passing through both urban and rural landscapes.
Much improved over the last few years, the Ashton Canal was given further prominence by the Commonwealth Games which were staged beside the canal in 2002. The Peak Forest Canal has been described as one of Britain's most secnic waterways.
Getting there
Parking: There is parking in Manchester and along the route.
Public transport: There are train stations in Manchester, a couple towards the route and also in Whaley Bridge.
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Waypoints
Start point, walking route: Walking from Manchester to Whaley Bridge
Easting: 384750, Northing: 398250
2. Manchester to Stalybridge (5 miles / 8km)
The route begins in Manchester at the junction of the Ashton Canal with the Rochdale Canal. The start is close to the train stations in Manchester and there are a number of pubs nearby, a supermarket and also some shops. You need to walk along the Ashton Canal eastwards towards Droylsden. There is a supermarket just near Six Acre Bridge and pubs along the route. After walking through Droylsden, you will come to Stalybridge. There are a couple of pubs around here and also a supermarket.
Easting: 396560, Northing: 398640
3. Stalybridge to Woodley (5 miles / 8km)
After about a mile of walking along the Ashton Canal, you will come to Portland Basin and Dukinfield Junction. You will need to turn left to walk along the Peak Forest Canal and you will walk south, with the canal on your left. Shortly after the M67 bridge, you will come to bridge 6, where you will need to cross over and walk along the opposite side of the canal. Cross back onto the other side of the canal when you get to bridge 7. Continue walking down the canal, passing Apethorne Aqueduct and then arriving in Woodley.
Easting: 393655, Northing: 392470
4. Woodley to Marple Junction (4 miles / 6.4km)
From Woodley, continue along the towpath of the Peak Forest Canal. By bridge 14 (Holehouse Fold Bridge), there is a supermarket and a pub. Carry on until you come to Marple Junction, which is where the canal is joined is joined by the Macclesfield Canal.
Easting: 396210, Northing: 388440
5. Marple Junction to Whaley Bridge (6 miles / 9.6km)
From Marple Junction, continue walking along the Peak Forest Canal. There is a train station just over halfway along this section of the route if you are ready to stop. There are also a number of pubs towards the end of the route and also when you get to the end at Whaley Bridge. A supermarket nearby will be useful if you are planning to walk back.
Easting: 401218, Northing: 381417
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