Today's Canal : Bridgewater
We set off this morning not quite sure where we might end up. Castlefield is the end of the Bridgewater and where the Rochdale Canal begins. It is a useful place to stop to access central Manchester but mooring can be a bit of a pot luck, especially as the basin that was used for Visitor Moorings when we first came here has now be allocated for long term use. If there was nowhere then we would have to tackle the dreaded Nine straight away. Even so, we then have to find a place at or near Ducie Street.
It was still a rather grey day as we left our mooring and passed Streford Marina where we re-fuelled yesterday.
Before long we were at Stretford Waters Meeting where the branch to Runcorn begins.
Now entering Old Trafford where the inevitable photo of the stadium is needed. Pleased to oblige! We have heard reports that the club's new owners want to build a completely new arena on the land next door, currently used for the Euroterminal container interchange. As if the present one is not big enough for their ambitions! Seems they need more seats to pay the extraordinary salaries of all the players - not to mention the owners.
A couple of similar bridges provide access for fans from the huge car parks on the opposite side of the canal. These seem to stand empty apart from match days.
We last came this way in 2019 and wondered then if the giant advertising screen ever changes as we had seen the same each time. We can now testify that it does change!
The centre of the city now came into view with the rapidly expanding number of tower blocks. Not all that long ago, only the Beecham Tower (the one to the left with the odd look grille at the top) stood out but it has now lost its claim to being the tallest building in Manchester to one of the new Castlefield towers.
Later, after seeing yet another two buildings at differing stages of construction, we realised that most of these have been designed to the same pattern, meaning that the skyline has a rather monotonous architectural look.
Pomona Lock can still be used to access the river and a mooring at Salford Quays. Sorry, Adam, despite your best persuasive powers in a comment to our blog five years ago, we have not been tempted - yet!
New building is now gradually taking up any available space right up to the edge of the canal which gives boaters a rather enclosed feel. Even this footbridge looks as if it is being lost under the scaffolding.
By now, tension was rising as we neared our destination, wondering if we would find a mooring. The first couple of spaces at the bottom of the locks were taken but we could that there was some room around the corner towards Castlefield Basin. However, we had also heard that the two arms, known as the Staffordshire Basins (they originally gave boats access to a large Staffordshire Warehouse that no longer exists) were good short term moorings, if occasionally sat on by those with odd time keeping!
We turned under the multiple railway viaducts and tentatively ma=de out way into the basins. At first sight we were a little puzzled - the right arm was almost full but the left one entirely empty. Signage suggested both were 72 hour moorings so we proceeded and came alongside. Chatty boaters already on the other arm confirmed that it was OK where we were and that another had only just left there this morning.
From steps where the warehouse used to be gives a good view of the whole mooring. (Other basins in the area are used for long term mooring with dire Keep Out signage!)
To one side there is a set of steps/seating with a cover overhead that we guess is used as a performance area. During the day there were plenty of people around but early evening it became remarkably quiet. Notices indicate that the basin is closed to boats next weekend - again we guess that this is because the very popular Pride March passes by on Saturday.
We locked up the boat and walked about 20 minutes to the nearest full Sainsbury store (Local versions were closer) but Christine wanted to return a top that she had bought in Sale as it was very much the wrong size (despite its label). Enroute we crossed the River Irwell.
After lunch Christine stayed on the boat (in the end she spent some of the afternoon cleaning through) whilst Mike went to explore the National Trust Garden Viaduct. This was opened quite recently and offers a secluded spot amongst the web of rail lines through this part of the city. This particular viaduct served a station that closed in the 1960s. The track has long since gone and the end sections of land now re-used but the viaduct itself has been preserved.
Visitors can walk along the central pathway with the borders filled with all sorts of wild and cultivated plants. Some of the upkeep is done by a community gardening group with some finding it especially helpful for mental health.
Unfortunately the lift up to the viaduct level is currently out of order so the main access is a staircase - 60 steps!
Mike found it a good place to sit and read - just as advertised! Phase One has developed just under a half of the 330 m that is available with work on Phase Two starting in 2025 (subject to planning and funding!)
T
This is the view through the large window at the end of today's walk.
Walking under the railway arches is quite surreal and the route to and from the staircase to the basin not marked. There is day time car parking in some sections - apparent that some car drivers were not finding it easy to navigate the maze . . .
3.2 Miles - 0 Locks
Shame!
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