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Activities

From paddleboarding, fishing, kayaking and canoeing – there’s plenty to enjoy on the Bridgewater Canal!

Fishing

Various species of fish can be found in the Bridgewater Canal including Rudd, Roach, Carp, Perch, Bream, Tench and Pike. 

If you would like to fish on the canal, there are a number of fishing clubs which have a licence to fish on various stretches.  

The clubs and the stretches of canal they are responsible for are listed below. Please ensure you follow the Fishing Code of Practice which can be found here.

Activities

Fishing clubs

Lymm Anglers 

Waterloo Bridge Runcorn to Waters Meeting Preston Brook 

lymmanglersclub.com 

Warrington Anglers Association 

Preston Brook Tunnel (Preston Brook) to Hulme Hall Bridge Manchester       

Waters Meeting Stretford to A580 East Lancashire Road Morley’s Bridge Leigh.  

Contact Secretary: Frank Lythgoe 01928 716238 

Leigh and District Anglers  

A580 East Lancashire Road Morley’s Bridge Leigh to 62 metres East of King Street Bridge A572 Leigh.  

Contact: 01942 604125 or 01942 876163 

Activities

Paddle boarding

In August 2021, stand-up paddle boarding arrived on the Bridgewater Canal, in commemoration of the 260th anniversary.  

In December 2020, the Bridgewater Canal Company carried out a survey into the health and wellbeing benefits of the canal during the Covid-19 lockdowns and SUP was a popular request for additional recreational activities on the canal. As a result, the Bridgewater Canal Company worked with British Canoeing to make the waterway an approved location for stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). 

Anyone wishing to use a SUP on the Bridgewater Canal must be a member of British Canoeing. 

We recommend that paddle boarders wear high visibility clothing as well as a life buoyancy jacket or personal floatation aid. 

British Canoeing provides a wealth of information on stand-up paddle boarding through the Go Paddling website. Join or renew membership with British Canoeing here.

View the routes Go Paddling have made for the canal: gopaddling.info/canals/bridgewater-canal

Activities

Canoeing

Canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) that are licensed by British Canoeing are permitted to use the Bridgewater Canal free of charge, subject to the display of a valid licence and our conditions of licensing.  
 
We recommend that you wear high visibility clothing as well as a life buoyancy jacket or personal floatation aid. If you are not a British Canoeing member, you are not permitted to use the Bridgewater Canal. www.britishcanoeing.org.uk

See The Bridgewater Canal from a new perspective, whether you fancy a lone paddle or would like to spend some time with friends or family, Grip Adventure offer you a unique experience. We provide a tutorial on paddle technique and all the equipment you need to have a safe and enjoyable experience. www.gripadventure.co.uk

canoeing

The Bridgewater Way

Regenerating the canalside for walkers and cyclists.


LEARN MORE

Boating

From colourful canal boats to day boat hire and pleasure cruises.

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Walking

Ramble the length of the canal or take a leisurely waterside stroll – there’s something for everyone.

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Cycling

The Bridgewater Canal welcomes cyclists of all ages and abilities.

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Fishing

There are a number of fishing clubs which have a licence to fish on various stretches of the Canal.

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Food & Drink

There are plenty of pubs and restaurants which back on to, or are very close to the Bridgewater Canal.

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Attractions

The Bridgewater Canal flows by lots of popular attractions making it the perfect route to a fantastic day out.

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Location

The Bridgewater Canal is a 65km (39 mile) canal stretching from Runcorn to Leigh in the North West of England.

LEARN MORE

Terms & Conditions

Guidelines for all users of the canal from boat owners and fishermen to walkers and cyclists.

LEARN MORE

Latest from Instagram

Summer colours along the Bridgewater Canal 🌷🌞 August is right around the corner and hopefully it will bring sun and blue skies so we can enjoy warm walks along the waterside. 📸: @leahwhitehorse001
Happy Monday everyone! We hope you all have a lovely week 🌥️✨ 📸: @jobo_photos
Peaceful evening walks along the Bridgewater Canal >> ☁️😮‍💨 Nothing beats a long walk at the end of a busy week, so make time for you this weekend and head out for a stroll along the water's edge. 📸: @drwilli59
Spice up your Monday with watersports along the Bridgewater Canal! 🛶⛅ Why not get a @British.Canoeing licence that permits Canoes, Kayaks and SUP's to travel up and down the Bridgewater Canal free of charge. 📸 : @_jaderauhl
Cheeeeeese... 📸🧀 We found this photo in our gallery and just had to share it. It's made our week! The Bridgewater Canal is the perfect place to take your pooch this summer, come rain or shine ⛅
Taking a dip 🦆💧 We love seeing your photos of the wildlife you find along the Bridgewater Canal. Next time you're visiting, snap some pics and send them to us! 📸: @geembailey
Happy Monday 🌤️✨ Sending you peaceful and positive vibes to get you through this week. 📸: @monicasphotographs

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