Salford Quays Heritage Trail - Route 1
Route facts
Waterways:
Manchester Ship Canal »
Duration: 3 miles
Starts at: Salford Quays
Ends at: Salford Quays
At the end of the last century Manchester took the initiative to transform itself into an inland port by building a waterway to link the city to the sea. Its prime function was to reduce the cost of transport.
The official opening of the Canal by Queen Victoria on 21 May 1894 heralded a period of great industrial and commercial expansion in Manchester.
Today the Quays provide an attractive setting for the commercial, residential and leisure developments which have transformed a once derelict area into a confident and progressive community.
This is a three mile self-guided tour around Salford Quays, formerly the thriving terminal docks for the Port of Manchester.
For further details, visit the Industrial Powerhouse website.
Getting there
Parking: Turn left at the Quays where there is a car park opposite the Dock Office.
Public transport: Trains run from all over the North West direct to Manchester city centre stations. You can then either catch a bus or Metrolink to Salford Quays. The nearest Metrolink station is Trafford Bar on the Altrincham line - a 20 minute walk away. Trams run every six minutes during the day direct from Bury, Altrincham and Manchester. From the station cross Talbot Road. Turn left, then right at the traffic lights to White City Way. Cross Chester Road to Trafford Road. Continue along Trafford Road, past the Cinema, until you reach the Dock Office. The nearest bus stops are on Trafford Road and Ordsall Lane. Service 53 runs between Old Trafford, Cheetham Hill and Failsworth via Salford Quays. Service 92 runs from Ordsall and Bury via Salford Quays. For more information about bus, train and Metrolink services phone GMPTE enquiries on 0161-228 7811.
Waypoints
1. The Dock House
Make your way to the old Dock Office on Trafford Road. The Dock Office opened in 1927 replacing wooden huts on the other side of Trafford Road Bridge. Facing Trafford Road turn left, and left again along the footpath. Turn left onto Furness Quay.
2. Grain Wharf
Turn right at the end of Furness Quay onto The Quays. Ahead, on each side of the road, are two obelisks carved from Cornish granite. The panels depict moving machinery - part of daily life on the Docks. Turn right down St. Lawrence Quay, following the footpath to the signpost by the residential development. Turn left to Mariners Canal.
3. Erie Basin
Turn right at the bridge and follow the canal to the end turning right onto Erie Basin. Follow the walkway, turning left to pass in front of the large Anchorage office block. At the end of the building turn right onto Anchorage Quay. Turn left, then left again onto The Quays. Turn left at The Victoria and follow the footpath around the building. Follow the quayside walkway to the bridge. Cross Detroit Bridge and walk straight ahead along Winnipeg Quay towards The Quays.
4. Lowry Centre
Cross the road to the blue-roofed shelter and turn right along the Centenary Walkway.
5. Salford Wharf Park
Retrace your steps towards Welland Lock. This two acre site has views across the largest expanse of water on the upper reaches of the Canal. This was the turning circle for ocean going ships. Pass the blue shelter and continue towards Welland Lock. Cross Mariners Canal footbridge. Wheelchair and pushchair users turn left past the Watersports Centre and use the ramps on each side of the bridge. Return to the quayside walkway and continue straight ahead.
6. Salford Quays Heritage Centre
After a short distance, you will see the Four Corners sculpture. The Heritage Centre is adjacent to the sculpture. Visitors to the Centre can see permanent and temporary exhibitions which focus on the history of the Docks and Trafford Park and related topics. After passing the cranes turn left to Trafford Road to complete the route.
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