36 February 2018 Canal Boat canalboat.co.uk
T
here’s always been a bit of a
rivalry between Manchester and
Salford – in the way there often
is between neighbouring towns
or cities. On a map, it’s difficult to know
quite where one begins and the other
ends, particularly when Salford is
subsumed into the region known as
Greater Manchester. It’s not surprising
then that Salford is keen to assert its own
identity.
In canal terms, Manchester definitely
has the upper hand. The Cheshire Ring
goes through several parts of the city, on
canals which offer great variety. There’s
the deep, wide, lock-free Bridgewater
Canal; the wide locks of the Rochdale
which go through the city centre (but are
notoriously hard work); and the narrow
locks of the Ashton Canal lifting you up to
the Peak Forest.
By contrast, almost no-one visits Salford
by water - which is a shame because it’s
not only possible, but very rewarding.
Salford Quays have been transformed in
recent years, with massive investment and
regeneration, and visiting isn’t as difficult
as you might think.Salford Quays lie on the Manchester
Ship Canal, and those three words alone
are enough to put many people off. For
other parts of the Ship Canal, the owners,
Peel Ports, require quite a lot of paperwork
including a seaworthiness certificate
issued by one of their approved surveyors;
but for Salford Quays, that requirement is
waived. As long as your boat is licensed,
has a boat safety certificate, and is
suitably insured, you’re good to go.
There are a few other conditions.
Navigation is permitted only between the
beginning of May and the end ofAdam Porter takes the rarely travelled but utterly fascinating route through
Pomona Lock to Salford Quays and finds much to recommend itSALFORD QUAYS
Salford or bust...