Walking

For your Safety and enjoyment

The Company and the Bridgewater Canal Trust want you to enjoy your visit please contact us to report any problems that you might encounter or ideas that you might have that may improve future visits for you or others using this valuable recreational resource.

The canal towpath is unlit and in close proximity to deep water care must be taken if you are using the towing path in the period of darkness or poor light conditions.

The depth of water is up to 2 metres deep (6 feet) with no guarantee that it is less.

• To minimize risk children must be supervised at all times.
  Suitable footwear should be worn to suit the towpath surface and weather conditions.
  
• If an angler is baiting his fishing line the fishing rod may be across the towing path please be patient whilst the fishing rod is moved.
  
• Be aware of possible trip hazards mooring rings, bollards, ropes and equipment being used by fishermen.
  
• Erosion (holes at the back of the coping stone) is caused by wash from boats removing the fine material from under and behind the coping stone thus creating a hole. The problem may not always be apparent as grass may partially obscure the hazard.
  
• Do not leave litter or food on the towpath, discarded food can attract vermin.
  
• On certain sections of the towing path barriers may have been erected to prevent access by motorcycles.
  
• Leptospirosis also known as Weils disease is associated with vermin. Weils disease may be present in canal water or on adjacent land. Users should always ensure that they pay particular attention to cleanliness. Hands should be washed thoroughly before eating and drinking. Infection may enter through breaks in the skin, all cuts and abrasions should be washed in clean water and covered with a waterproof dressing to minimize risk. In the event of falling in to the canal medical help should be sought as a precautionary measure.
  
• Report all accidents and/or incidents as soon as possible to the Company.
  
• Consider our neighbours and the activities of other users, the towpath is a shared facility.

The Company is actively seeking grants to improve the towpath surface, safety, signage and interpretation. As part of this process we are actively promoting cycle use on improved sections of the towpath.

To identify where the towpath surface has been improved and where cycling is being permitted please look at the section marked Bridgewater Way for detailed information and news.