Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal

(under construction)

This was one of the very first Blue Fox projects that developed into a hugely success (and wonderfully fun) series of group walks.

My initial interest in the MBBC was born out of reading Paul Hindle’s original book. My slant was to produce a series of manageable walks (manageable … measured not just in distance, but by trying to avoid information overload!) the amount of information that is offered).

Although I have left much of the technical bits about the canal to Paul’s book, I have heavily founded my own story about the points of interest that surround the canal’s route.

I had the privilege chance meeting with Fred Dibnah (President of the MBBC Society) in the early 2000’s at the Horseshoe pub, Ringley. He was very optimistic about the canal’s restoration, citing that a multi thousand pound feasibility study had been made and the dream was on!

Alas, the canal is still derelict, but PHENOMINAL strides have been made to completely upgrade the towpaths and undergone essential maintenance … complete testimony to the tireless efforts by the team of volunteers of the Society.

My next intention is to revisit the site, armed with a plethora of fresh reading and research.

THE WALKS: by definition of canals, these are linear
WALK 1 ~ BURY TO RADCLIFFE ~ 4 MILES (Bury Tram Station > Radcliffe Tram Station)
WALK 1A ~ FEEDER & ELTON RESERVOIR ~ 8 MILES (Bury Tram Station > Bury Tram Station)
WALK 2 ~ RADCLIFFE TO AGECROFT ~ 10 MILES (Radcliffe Tram Station > Prestwich Tram Station)
WALK 2A ~ FLETCHER’S CANAL & WET EARTH COLLIERY ~
WALK 3 ~ NOB END TO BOLTON

WALK 4 ~ AGECROFT TO MIDDLEBROOK

WALK 5 ~ MANCHESTER CONNECTIONS