The Irwell valley: from Salford to Clifton Junction
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2 people waitlisted
Join us for an easy-going riverside walk along the Irwell valley! The route follows part of the Salford Trail, from the centre of Salford north towards Clifton Junction. This is a linear walk of around 9.5 miles / 15 kilometres, and return to Salford city centre will be by bus. Ascent is around 170 metres, mostly towards the end of the walk.
The River Irwell rises at Irwell Springs on Deerplay Moor, near Bacup in Lancashire and flows south for 39 miles / 63 kilometres to meet the River Mersey near Irlam Locks. For much of its course, the Irwell marks the boundary between Manchester and Salford. Its lower reach has been canalised and now forms part of the Manchester Ship Canal.
The river became severely polluted by industrial waste during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, but in the second half of the 20th century a number of initiatives were implemented to improve water quality, restock it with fish and create a diverse environment for wildlife. The river flows through some large areas of open, green space. Further projects are underway to reduce of the outflow of untreated waste water into the river.
The Salford Trail is a long-distance walk of about 50 miles / 80 kilometres, entirely within the boundaries of the city of Salford. There is a map of the trail here.
This is a linear walk. The plan is to return to the start point by bus, using two connecting bus services (#21 and #8). Or you might want to make your own way home, by bus or other means, from the end of the walk near Clifton Junction.
If the event is fully booked: join the wait list if you really want to go on this walk, as people frequently drop out during the week before an event and you are likely to get a place.
Dogs: well-behaved dogs are welcome on the walk, but must be under control at all times and on a lead where necessary.
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Photo credits: all photos by the event leader with permission granted to ODL for their use.
What to bring
Walking shoes or robust outdoor trainers should be adequate for this walk.
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be ok.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to grab.
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with hand sanitiser, bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for personal use only) is a good idea.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, snacks for along the way and sufficient fluids (hot or cold) to drink during the walk. A hot drink is recommended in cooler weather.
The Old Fire Station Café, Bar & Bakery is across the road from the start point of the walk. We might decide to return to it, after the walk, for refreshments. It serves its own beer, brewed on the premises, and is open on Saturdays until 21:00.