Manchester

December 27, 2019.

PICCADILLY RAILWAY STATION, CANAL STREET, ASHTON CANAL (PORTLAND BASIN), CASTLEFIELD, BRIDGEWATER CANAL, OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL, MEDIA CITY, THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, SALFORD QUAYS, POMONA, ST PETER'S SQUARE, PICCADILLY GARDENS, THE NORTHERN QUARTER AND THE CABANA CAFE

Distance: 5 miles.

Difficulty: Easy.

Weather: Mainly dry and mild.

Walkers: Andy Blease, Tom Cunliffe, Alan Hart, Chris Owen, George Whaites.

Apologies: Alastair Cairns, George Dearsley.

Leader: Owen. Diarist: Hart.

Starting point: Piccadilly Railway Station, Manchester.

Starting time: 10.05am, Finishing time: 3.40pm.

Our last walk of 2019 took place on a Friday because Christmas Day fell on a Wednesday this year – further proof that the Wednesday Wanderers' motto (Firm of Purpose: Flexible in Design) still holds true. The city appeared to be comparatively deserted as we set off with few obvious signs of the bargain-hunting shoppers of yesteryear.

Soon we had descended to the canal towpaths where we observed much of the city from a lower level than usual with most of its citizens and visitors using the streets and pavements above us.

It was a fascinating way to see the many changes which have taken place in recent years as the skyline has been penetrated by ever-larger buildings, whilst other familiar landmarks have disappeared.

Our journey took us past the Manchester Crown Court at Minshull Street and along Canal Street before we turned right to reach the Ashton Canal's Portland Basin and turned left with the canal on our right.

This took us past the rear of the former Hacienda Nightclub where the “Madchester Scene” gained international fame. Although the club no longer exists there is a tribute to its musical influence on the wall with a long plaque giving the names of the original performers such as New Order and The Smiths and world stars such as Madonna who had sung there.

On the far side of Castlefield we joined the Bridgewater Canal and walked along its left bank towpath until the towering structure of the Old Trafford soccer stadium, home to the mighty Manchester United, appeared ahead of us. Just before reaching the ground we left the canal and crossed the road near the swing bridge before returning to the towpath.

Another climb to road level took us to the left bank of The Manchester Ship Canal and the Imperial War Museum (95mins). There is no entrance fee although the guides try hard to seek contributions from visitors. After a brief visit we left the museum and George left us to go home. The rest of us crossed a bridge to the far side of the Manchester Ship Canal where we caught a tram back into the centre of Manchester.

After curries in the Cabana cafe, we adjourned for our first refeshment of the day to The Abel Heywood pub and a selection of cask ales, of which the Hydes' Original was in fine form.

Abel Heywood (1810-1893) was a radical politician, a publisher and twice mayor of Manchester from 1862-63 and 1876-77. After losing his father at the age of two, Abel left school at nine to work in a warehouse for the princely sum of 1s 6d (7pence) a week, but he continued his studies at The Mechanics' Institute.

An active Chartist, his refusal to pay stamp duty on his paper, The Poor Man's Guardian, earned him a four-month prison sentence at the age of 22. But he built up a successful bookselling business in Oldham Street and 30 years later became mayor for the first time.

He played a leading role in the completion of Manchester Town Hall, and its clock bell, weighing more than 8 tons, was named “Great Abel” in his honour. Interestingly his wife was the widow of Thomas Goadsby, his immediate predecessor as mayor.

After an hour in the Abel Heywood we then awarded our custom to The Millstone nearby before heading for our respective trains home.

On Wednesday, January 1, there will be the annual mixed walk starting from the car park of Poynton Sports Club at 10.30am. All family and friends are welcome to join this convivial walk which is held at a leisurely pace. Depending on the weather and the whim of the leader, it will head for either the Miners Arms at Wood Lane Ends, Adlington, or The Boar's Head at Higher Poynton (or possibly both) before returning to the car park around 2.30pm.

The following Friday, January 3, Tom will be leading a walk at 9.45am from Topley Pike, which is on the A6 out of Buxton. There is free car parking at a lay-by next to the entrance to the quarry on the opposite side of the road from the Monsal Trail pay-and-display car park. We anticipate reaching The Church Inn at Chelmorton for a livener around 12.15pm and returning to our cars at about 2.20pm. There will be an option of further refreshment at the Wye Valley House Hotel Wetherspoons in Buxton on the way home.

Happy wandering !