Manchester Ship Canal

"Enjoyed an excellent round trip on the canal aboard the Mersey ferry Snowdrop, from Liverpool Pier Head to Latchford Locks near Warrington, and back. We set off from Liverpool just after 11am, and the cruise lasted about 6 hours. Plenty of room for us to move about on the two decks and take photos, and a lot of seating both inside and out, though it was not always easy to find a good seat as the boat was full. The lower deck was wheelchair accessible with toilets and a licensed café where we could get soup and scouse as well as sandwiches, cakes and drinks. A guide gave us an informative and lively commentary throughout the outward journey, and we were entertained by a good singer/guitarist on the way back. Entering the canal through the impressive Eastham Lock, we saw a great deal of interest throughout our cruise: large commercial vessels sailing past us (though far fewer than I'd expected!), lots of industry along the banks, disused wooden jetties left over from when the canal was much busier, and wide vistas across marshland and the Mersey estuary. Passed beneath Victorian viaducts and the spectacular Runcorn Bridge. It was fascinating to watch the old swing bridges open to let us through. Was also surprised by the variety of birds that seemed to thrive here amidst the industry. I saw cormorants, herons, flocks of wild geese, and birds of prey wheeling above the marshes. It can get very windy on some stretches of the canal, so it's advisable to bring some warm clothing. The ferry trip costs £48 for an adult, and in my opinion, it's a great way to see this iconic canal. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip, and would do it again."

Valerie Hinchliffe

"2018 Had a Journey on the Manchester Ship Canal Cruise Seacombe Terminal Spaceport to Manchester, Hours and hours of past 25 Bridges/Viaducts and Locks. Great for a long relaxing trip if the weather is fine like it was for us. you can sit at front or back or inside but we found it hard to find a seat at the front of the cruise as too many passengers very full. You can buy Food and drinks on the cruise but we took our own. I could not sit still all the journey had to take photos of every think. great journey just wish it did not have loads of coach loads of tourists this time."

Andrew

"Earlier this week we did a walk from Barnoldwicks to Gargrave and back along the Manchester canal. Its around 7.5 miles each way. Its a great place to gobfor a full day walk. Normally there are lots of barges going up and down the canal. However this day there was issue with a lack of water upstream and all the locks were closed. However normally you can see barges moving up and down the canal through the locks. It can be a lively place at certain time if the year. The day we went we met individuals, small and large groups enjoying the canal.

The pathway are well maintained and can be used for cycling. However you do have to be careful as the path is uneven in places.

There are two cafes along the route to stop off and get refreshments and take a rest. However these don't appear to be open all the time.

The only negative thing is that there are vert few benches along the bank for you take a break. You can goes several mile on occasion before you see one.

Overall a great day out and would recommend it to anyone looking for a medium size walk."

Chandar