Sheltered Water Paddles, The Bridgewater Canal from the A56 – By Jim Krawiecki

The Bridgwater Canal provides some great venues for an easy paddle. Between Dunham and Lymm there is a convenient Layby on the A56 next to a pub called Ye Olde Number 3 (postcode WA14 4TA).

From the layby there is easy access to launch onto the canal by way of a wide grassy bank. There is a good amount of space for social distancing. Paddling north-east towards Altrincham is scenic and pretty, and after a kilometre the canal passes over the River Bolin Aqueduct with Dunham Massey beyond.

After another 3 kilometres of winding through pleasant countryside the canal reaches urban sprawl and the outskirts of Altrincham. Returning to Ye Olde Number 3 from here is an enjoyable 8-kilometre round trip ideal for making the first few paddle strokes out of lockdown.