The trail was inaugurated by Veteran Paddler Dek Davie, Chris Cleaver BCU NW RAO and several Stockport Borough councillors paddling a bevy of different types of canoes organised and manned by Mark of Brookbank Canoes.
Starting at Ford Street in Stockport town centre, the trail runs clockwise around Greater Manchester until it stops just short of the Manchester Ship Canal. There are several weirs on the way that have been fitted above and below with Egress and Ingress point for those paddlers who wish to portage.
Try and forget the old reputation of the river as an urban sewer, it is now clean enough for salmon and provides a surprising quality of paddling through an undeveloped corridor close to millions of people in the Manchester area. The river is Grade 1-2 with many riffles, rubble weirs providing waves and four weirs with portage steps around them. The river generally has enough water for paddling even at low flow.
The agreement has few conditions apart from the important points in the Canoeists Code and Countryside Code – only use the identified access points, you are responsible for your own safety, wear a helmet. (One of the golf clubs who have given access are sensitive on this issue because they are suffering a claim by a walker hit by a golf ball. If you choose not to wear a helmet - on your own head be it.) The agreement recommends that you keep clear of weirs and the guide provides information on when skilled and well equipped paddlers have used the weirs.
And one other thing, the access points are in urban areas with lots of people about so please change before you come to the river and be very discrete when changing afterwards; you could even use the changing rooms.
In this guide the distances are approximate, map references are given for Landranger Sheet 109, postcodes are given for in-car navigators. We are not responsible for where you end up.
The first section of river is not included in the trail as it is surrounded by high walls and passes through a 500 metre long tunnel under the Merseyway shopping centre.
The Canoe Trail starts at Ford Street, Stockport MR 886901. PC SK3 0BT.
This is an industrial estate so parking is difficult during the working week. There is a gate to allow trailers closer to the river, key available from Stockport Tourist Information on 0161 474 4444.
Within sight of the start is a riffle and then Brinskway Weir. It is a crescent weir about 50cm high, it has been shot at low flows, at high flows it is drowned out with a wave and at middle flows it needs inspection and a portage. It is also worth inspecting for debris. The portage get out is on the right at the bottom of the riffle, if you overshoot there is space before the weir to break out and come back up.
The river runs for a while in an overgrown sandstone gorge, it is peaceful and difficult to imagine you are 100 metres from main roads and warehouse units.
At 2km is Heaton Mersey Bleachworks Weir, similar in size and type to Brinksway Weir with the portage get out on the right.
At 2.5km is Burnage Rugby Club with steps on the right. MR 862901. PC SK4 3EB. Can be used to start, finish or break a trip. The club is canoe friendly with parking, toilets, showers, sometimes food, and a bar. Ring to check beforehand on 0161 432 2150
At 8km is Northenden Weir. MR833903. PC M22 4HJ. A large sloping weir, dangerous at high flow. Portage steps on right after foot bridge. There is the Tatton Arms pub on the left and a public car park 100 yards down river. Can be used to start, finish or break a trip.
At 14km is Jacksons Boat Public House. MR811926. PC M33 2LX. Do not use the pub car park unless you are a customer.
At 18km is Trafford Metrovick Rugby and Cricket Club with steps on the left. MR782930. PC M33 6LR. Can be used to start, finish or break a trip. The club is canoe friendly with parking, toilets, showers, sometimes food, and a bar. Ring to check beforehand on 0161 973 7061
At 19km is Ashton Weir. MR773936. A dangerous stepped weir, there are steps to get out on the left, then follow the railings down to a beach to get in. The section of river that follows has not been modified by flood defence works and is most attractive with active meanders, earth cliffs and riffles.
At 27km is the end get out point at Carrington Parish Recreation Ground. Steps on the left. MR728936. PC M31 4BF. The ground is normally locked so ring to arrange for access for parking or use of showers or camping etc. There will be a small charge for parking to help the Parish Council with maintenance etc. Tel: 0161 775 7813.
Make sure you find this get out as there is no way off the river if you pass it. You could end up arguing with a 3,000 tonner on the Manchester Ship Canal.
Give the river a try, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Chris Cleaver
I would like to know how much the river is used so please leave a message on 01625 878838 or [email protected]. 5000 copies of a leaflet are available from Stockport Council Tourist Information Department. 0161 474 4444.