You can paddle a canoe down a Greater Manchester canal to a floating cafe and bar

Fancy swapping the city streets for a few hours on the water?

Just a short tram ride from Manchester city centre is a spot where you can hire a canoe, kayak or paddleboard, and explore the beautiful Bridgewater Canal from a completely different perspective.

Tucked away down the stairs by The King’s Ransom pub, Grip Adventures has been part of Sale for the past four years.

Whether you’re after a relaxed paddle in the sunshine, a fun day out with friends, or a family activity, there’s something for everyone.

You can choose from single canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, or hire a double canoe if you’d rather explore as a group.

One of the best parts is that the canal is lined with great places to stop.

Walton Perk sits right on the water, making it the perfect halfway coffee break. As well as coffees and cakes, you can even pick up a takeaway Aperol Spritz from here – without even setting foot outside your boat.

If you’re visiting on a Monday or Tuesday when it’s closed, Grapefruit Coffee is just across the road, so you can grab a takeaway before heading down to the canal.

Grip Adventure is run by Glenn Rees, who has spent more than 20 years leading outdoor adventure camps and is passionate about making the outdoors accessible to everyone.

Alongside paddle hire, Glenn also delivers alternative education and outdoor learning programmes, works with Trafford Young Carers, and even runs land-based adventure games around the canal.

You really don’t have to travel far to enjoy an idyllic day on the water. In fact, one of Greater Manchester’s best summer days out has been hiding in plain sight just along the Bridgewater Canal.

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Featured image: The Manc Group