BRIDGEWATER CANAL.
This is the historic canal that is said to have started the canal mania. It is 40 miles long, and only has one lock, this single lock is one that locks down to the river Irwell, at the head of the Manchester Ship Canal.
The canal shown in the photograph is now a branch joining the bridgewater to the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool.
The area around Worsley is very attractive, the water in the canal is a surprising red colour, due to the iron ore in the old mine shafts, where the water still seeps out.
The half timbered building in the photo is the Packet House, where the steps gave access to the boats, in the days when they carried passengers and the boats where the fastest form of transport.