Distance 2.4 miles/3.9 km
Typical duration 1 hour
Start and finish St Peter’s Square
Start postcode M2 5PD
Step-by-step details and maps ramblers.org.uk/manchestercity

In a nutshell

This circular walk treats you to some of the highlights of Manchester city centre, including a historic Roman fort. From St Peter’s Square, you’ll head along the Rochdale Canal to Castlefield, before looping back to the start.

Why it’s special

The mix of history, scenery and canalside walking make this a wonderfully enjoyable route, with lots to see. Rochdale Canal isn’t far from St Peter’s Square and following the towpath you’ll pass Oxford Street lock and Tib lock, before you reach Duke’s lock. It was named after Francis Egerton, Duke of Bridgewater, who paid for its construction.

The route crosses the pretty Bridgewater canal basin before climbing to the Roman fort, Mamucium. Built around AD78, it once guarded the road between the fortress of Deva Victrix, which later evolved into Chester, and Eboracum, now York.

Passing the Museum of Science and Industry, which occupies the site of the former Liverpool Road train station and houses many interesting exhibits, you’ll head through the scenic St John’s Gardens. On St John Street you can see the only surviving Georgian terrace in central Manchester.

The final leg of the walk takes you past Manchester Central convention centre and Bridgewater Hall, a concert venue built on 300 giant steel springs to protect the acoustics.

Reward yourself

You’re spoilt for choice for places to eat and drink along this route. Why not try The Ox Noble at Potato Wharf, a gastropub with rooms.

Get there

St Peter’s Square is on the Manchester Metrolink network (metrolink.co.uk). National rail and coach services run from nearby Piccadilly station and Chorlton Street respectively.