Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A footbridge with a handrail missing carries the towpath over the entrance to the former
Princess Dock, constructed for easier transhipment between railway and canal, although this
worked to the railway's advantage. Brookside Sidings now occupy the dock site for 1.2km,
flanked by the Huddersfield to Manchester railway line. This is joined just before Guide
Bridge by the line from Glossop.
Oxford Mills, opposite the sidings, were built 1845-1851 by the Mason family for spin-
ning. They were supplied with housing and community facilities, including a sports ground,
swimming and washing baths, an institute and library, plus smoking and chess rooms - an
advanced concept for the time.
Guide Bridge takes its name from the bridge over the canal and its signpost to Ashton,
Manchester and Stockport. Since it acquired its name, the bridge has been widened to an 85m
tunnel although the original bridge is still obvious from water level. Guide Bridge Mill on the
right was a late-Victorian cotton-spinning mill.
The Ashton Packet Boat Company Ltd basin is the site of narrowboat restoration and
horse-drawn canal trips. To the west is another freight line and, over that, a road bridge with
some intricate brickwork under its high, skewed arch. The gap in the buildings has been used
for the M60 Manchester Outer Ring Road, near Audenshaw Reservoirs.
Park House offers some of the most attractive accommodation on the canal, sheltered hous-
ing established in 1969 by Air Vice Marshal Johnnie Johnson. Behind the new housing on
the other bank is Fairfield, a 200-year-old Moravian Settlement village.
Working through the top lock at Fairfield Junction, one of three formerly double locks. Beyond the
lock, members of a canoeing class prepare to go afloat at the Water Adventure Centre, which does
much for disadvantaged youngsters
.
Fairfield Junction brings the stump of the Hollinwood Branch. This climbed away through
Droylsden to Oldham. It was abandoned in 1932 but the first 160m is now being restored as
a marina. Another section remains in the Daisy Nook Country Park. There was also a Fair-
bottom Branch but this has now disappeared.
