MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL
Built in the late 19th Century, the Manchester Ship Canal enabled sea-going vessels to reach Manchester docks, turning the city into a busy inland port. Nowadays the former docks have been deserted by shipping and surrounded by modern development but towards the western end the canal still sees large vessels, and pleasure boaters are expected to take appropriate care and to be equipped according to the Canal Company’s requirements. The upper reaches have no special requirements and can be reached from the Bridgewater Canal via a new lock at Pomona Dock. The unique Barton Swing Aqueduct carries the Bridgewater Canal over the ship canal, and at Ellesemere Port the Boat Museum surrounds the canal’s junction with the Shropshire Union Canal.
36 miles 5 locks
Maximum dimensions: length 600ft, beam 65ft
