connecting communities with history

A long and successful history...

The Bridgewater Canal was constructed to transport the Duke of Bridgewater's coal from his mine at Worsley. Coal was needed in large quantities to fuel the industrial revolution, the canal enabled coal and other goods to be transported efficiently and cheaply to the rapidly expanding towns and cities.

The Bridgewater Canal has throughout its long history been successful, first as a commercial waterway and latterly following cessation of freight in 1974 as a leisure waterway.

The 65km (39 mile) broad beam canal is the strategic link between the North and South canal network stretching from Runcorn to Leigh. The first section of the canal crossed the River Irwell by means of a unique stone aqueduct constructed over the river Irwell, later replaced by the equally famous Barton Swing aqueduct over the Manchester Ship Canal

In its heyday the canal carried more than 3 million tonnes of traffic, today it forms part of the popular boat cruising route known as the Cheshire Ring.

The Bridgewater Canal celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2011. To celebrate, a number of events have been organised at various places along the canal, to view the calendar of events, please visit the Bridgewater Canal website.

A book to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Bridgewater Canal is available to purchase by request, by emailing Mike Webb, Bridgewater Canal Manager on mwebb@peel.co.uk. Retail price £3.50 plus £1.50 P&P.

The Bridgewater Way

The Bridgewater Way is a regeneration project that will create a 65km/39 mile leisure route for walkers and cyclists along the historic Bridgewater Canal. The project is a fresh approach to the use of the towpath as a connection between communities around the Mersey Basin and the North West.

Bridgewater Canal

An historic strategically located private navigation situated in the North West of England.


Bridgewater Canal website