The Bridgewater Canal in Greater Manchester offers a shaded towpath walk perfect for a balmy evening during the ongoing heatwave. With temperatures set to reach 34C and an amber warning in place, the evening provides a cooler escape. The stretch through Sale is particularly tree-lined and passes several pubs where walkers can enjoy a refreshing drink.
Starting Point: Walton Park
Begin at Walton Park, a small park with playgrounds, bowling greens, picnic tables, and playing fields. From there, follow the canal north to Marsland Road, where The Brook pub offers drinks. For a longer walk, continue into Sale to School Road, where the King's Ransom pub features a large beer garden overlooking the water.
Walton Perk Narrowboat Cafe
During the day, stop at Walton Perk, a cafe housed in a narrowboat moored beside Walton Park. It serves hot and cold drinks, breakfasts, cakes, ice creams, and alcoholic drinks after 12pm. It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, all year round.
The Bridgewater Canal, also known as the Bridgewater Way, can be accessed at various points, allowing walkers to choose their distance. According to the Met Office, temperatures in Greater Manchester are expected to hit 34C on Thursday and Friday, with an amber extreme heat warning in force across large parts of England and Wales. Evening temperatures are forecast to be around 24C at 11pm, not dropping below 20C overnight.
