Local artists tell the story of Salford’s hidden canal with unique sound walk experience

The Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal was built in 1791 to transport goods during the Industrial Revolution. It originally ran from Salford to Prestolee near the village of Little Lever. Here it split into two. The main line continued to Bury, while a branch headed north-west to Bolton.

It was made famous in the song ‘Dirty Old Town’ written by Salford-born folk singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl and performed by The Dubliners and The Pogues.

Industrial heritage

It lay derelict for many years following the decline of industrialisation until volunteers came together to establish the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal Society in 1987 and is under active restoration.

The canal’s original structures give a fascinating glimpse into its industrial heritage.

The best-preserved section of canal is around Prestolee and Nob End. Here the towpath is a quiet walking route away from the bustle of Bury and Bolton’s town centres whilst the undisturbed waters here also provide good fishing.

Most striking is the iconic Grade II-listed Mount Sion steam crane; a dramatic cast-iron structure with its original pistons and winding gear intact.

Green pathway

With some parts of the canal restored, it now serves as an important green pathway from Salford and the River Irwell, through the urban landscape of north Manchester. It provides a tranquil escape for the growing community and importantly a thriving haven for biodiversity.

As a green corridor through the sprawl of north Manchester, the restored canal promises to offer rewarding boating and good walking.

The obstacles are many – infilled sections of the canal bed, demolished locks, and disparate ownership of the line – but plans are being formulated with a view to complete restoration of the canal within the next few years.

A city shaped by canals

“Salford is a city shaped by its canals,” says James Long of the Canal & River Trust, the UK’s largest canal charity that looks after Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal.

“Over 200 years ago these commercial thoroughfares connected Salford to the wider world, powering the city’s foundries and workshops. Today, these canals have transformed to offer green corridors in some of our most densely populated communities, offering a place for people to relax, walk, cycle, paddle or simply be inspired”.

Now an exciting collaboration inspired by the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal unravelling the compelling story of Salford’s ‘hidden canal’.

International collaboration

Canal & River Trust, together with Salford based outdoor arts company Walk the Plank and MBBCS, have engaged Scarborough Group International, the custodians of award-winning new neighbourhood, Middlewood Locks and Get Living, the Build to Rent operator, to deliver a fascinating new experience, that will help people to connect with the industrial heritage of this partly restored canal, and to celebrate its future.

Five Greater Manchester artists will be paired with European sound artists from Leeuwarden (the Netherlands), Kaunas (Lithuania), Rejika (Croatia) and Faro (Portugal), to create a sound walk along the original canal route that includes sections that have been long forgotten.

The new sound walk experience will feature eight locations and includes fascinating audio content produced by the artists about the canal’s industrial and forgotten heritage and can be downloaded from 18th May 2024.

Salford’s hidden gem

“Our nation’s historic waterways continue to inspire generations of artists, from paintings to poetry and sculpture to soundscapes,” said James Long. “As custodians of this important cultural heritage our charity is delighted to support this new commission and hope it will encourage people to come rediscover the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal for themselves.”

“When Salford born musician Ewan MacColl wrote “Dirty Old Town” he included the line “Dream a dream by the old canal”, said Paul Hindle of the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal Society.

“This event will enable Salford’s hidden gem of a canal to wake from its slumber and be a source of fun, recreation, heritage, and community. Dreams can come true”.

Further details for the soundwalk can be found here