The Ashton Canal runs six miles from central Manchester to Ashton-under-Lyne through 18 locks.

The canal obtained an act Act of Parliament in 1792 and opened in 1797, but competition from the railways caused it to fall into disuse. The resulting neglect combined with vandalism led to the canal becoming unnavigable by 1959. The canal was expected to close, but a large volunteer effort known as Operation Ashton cleared and eventually restored it. The canal was reopened on the 1st of April 1974.

The canal passes through central Manchester where there have been a number of thefts from boats. This, for a time, forced boats to go through in convoys. The canal then passes by the venue for the 2002 Commonwealth Games before heading into open country. Today the Ashton Canal is increasingly valued by the community through which it passes. Virtual Tour [1]

See Also

• Canals of the United Kingdom