Walk To The Pub - Sale Water Park to Stretford
Pub Walks with Chris Morris
Sale Water Park to Stretford
PLEASE REMEMBER: Details accurate at time of writing
When you think of the great walkers’ pubs in our area, they are usually located beyond the urban areas, surrounded by miles of countryside. Situated on the edge of Sale Water Park, Jackson’s Boat is one exception to this rule – offering all the qualities of a countryside walkers’ pub, but a mere five minutes’ walk from a tram stop.
Jackson’s Boat - Sale
Set in a peaceful location, and surrounded by nature, this 18th century pub attracts visitors looking for a drink or hearty meal to go with a walk along the nature reserve’s scenic paths. Muddy boots and paws are welcome here, almost expected. The first area on entering caters for dogs and is perfect for drying out, with real fires during the winter months. The cosy feel continues around the central bar, with characterful furnishings and comfortable seating throughout. The two cask beers available on my last visit were Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and the house beer, Jackson’s Boat Premium Ale, brewed by Beartown. The vast beer garden with children’s playground is popular in summer, and bike hire can be found opposite.
Tram Information
Up until recently, most visitors to the pub would come by car. However, with the introduction of the Metrolink line to Manchester Airport, this hidden gem now has its own tram stop nearby. We leave the tram at Sale Water Park tram stop and board again at Stretford tram stop (both are in ticket zone 3). Dog walkers can use the trams as dogs are now permitted.
The Walk
This two-mile walk takes in the River Mersey and lake, and then continues on to Stretford along the Bridgewater Canal. We finish with a choice of three excellent bars, all serving quality cask beer, before catching the tram back. After wet weather, some of the paths will be muddy, so hiking or wellington boots are recommended. The terrain is generally flat with only a few steps to climb. All pubs and bars welcome muddy boots and dogs.
Longford Tap - Stretford
Exit Sale Water Park tram stop and aim for the mini roundabout with a big sign for the Jackson’s Boat pub. Follow the arrow and turn right here, following the lane for 300 yards until you arrive at the pub.
On leaving, walk up the steps to the bank of the Mersey. Don’t cross over the bridge but take a left and walk along the riverbank, keeping the river on your right. I’d recommend the higher of the two paths. Walk past the sluice gate building and after half a mile, we reach a pair of concrete steps with metal handrails on each side of the bank. Go down these to the left, away from the river. At the bottom, we turn right and follow the path with the banking now on our right. Carry straight on along this tree-lined main path which shortly gives us scenic views across Sale Water Park to our left and a bird spotting hide to the right.
400 yards further on from the hide, the path turns left with a large ‘Welcome to Sale Water Park’ sign. Leave the main path here and take a right, up an incline with overhead tram power lines beyond. Cross over the River Mersey via the bridge and go straight along the path for 500 yards with the tram lines on your left. We now take a left and walk under two bridges, then continue straight along the path on the other side. Take a right at the National Cycle Network 62 sign, past the gate and right again to walk along a narrow road.
Head - Stretford
Before the canal tunnel, walk up the steps on the left and take a left to join the towpath of the Bridgewater Canal, with the water on your right. Continue along this straight path for 600 yards. Just before you reach a road bridge passing overhead, take a left which brings us to the centre of Stretford and a choice of three walker-friendly bars, all offering excellent cask beers.
Longford Tap is a friendly and welcoming bar which is tastefully furnished, with subtle lighting, giving an inviting space. The greatest offering, though, is the beer choice, validated with a listing in the Good Beer Guide. As well as a number of quality kegs, up to four cask beers are available from local breweries. When I last dropped by, these were from Brightside, Big Trip and Tatton, plus the Longford Tap House Bitter brewed by Marble.
Head is a stylish bar, skilfully furnished with attention to detail and bags of atmosphere. Quality keg is a feature here too. The two cask beers were from Cloudwater and Theakston’s when I last visited. Souljuice is a modern bar that is also worth a look, with more quality keg and up to three cask beers available. These were from 4T’s Brewery and Tiny Rebel on last inspection, and were reasonably priced.