Salman one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 60.00% of reviewers

The main road from Salford Crescent station to Salford Central Station was fairly busy with noise and fumes from traffic, but at least it was well controlled with several crossings and it was spacious. I passed Salford University, the former Fire Station, the former hospital, Salford Cathedral (shrouded in scaffolding) and several other grand old buildings.
There is slight inaccuracy in the plotting just south of Salford Crescent Station, and after crossing the river.
The route then detoured to pass some of Manchester’s landmarks, including the location of the old Granada Studios, the Museum of Science and Industry, Castlefield Roman remains, Manchester Central Convention Complex (formerly GMex), Bridgewater Hall, and the Midland Hotel, before reaching the St Peter’s Square endpoint.

This route is an easy and quick way into town from Salford. The route is accessible to all and would be safe to do alone.
I would recommend this route however I would opt for a more scenic path.
There are shops and a nice little coffee shop on the way which is a bonus.

This is my second review if this route, as in the sunshine and in the reverse direction one year later it took on a new dimension.

Without the rain the main roads were less of a nuisance as there was no spray from the cars and buses.

Also, thanks to the local knowledge of the group I walked with I realised it went past the site of the Haçienda night club.

Yes it it unrelentingly urban but it also crosses the river and canals and provides a great insight into Manchester and its regeneration.

This is difficult Slow Way to promote as the majority of it runs alongside a very busy road. It's even worse in the rain, although it's not muddy, there's a real risk of getting sprayed from puddles by speeding cars. It's a real challenge of how we can make our cities less hostile for humans.

Salman Rush-route
Gathered in Manchester for a ‘Slow Ways staff summit’, the Three Manc-keteers of Dan, Darren and Rob were duty-bound to check out a local route. Top of the list, numerically: ‘Salman one’. Initially, it raises questions. Why is St Peter’s Square the start/end point? (Equidistant from key transport hubs? Town Hall proximity? Tram connections? All valid.) And why the Deansgate dogleg detour? (Still a mystery.) With the 2Ds adopting their natural positions, mobiles in hand, a more direct option was taken towards the River Irwell. Passing under the Grade II listed cast iron bridges of Salford Central station, a left turn onto the A6 reveals just what you’d expect – a long stretch of busy dual carriageway trunk road. Yes, it’s grey; yes, it’s raining. It’s Manchester. But there’s colour, greenery, architecture and heritage along the way too. And a McDonald’s at the end.
To verify or not to verify? Well, as a city centre Slow Way the route is as urban as they come. It’s safe, accurately mapped and has no access issues, but its lack of directness at the Manchester end compromises the methodology just a bit too much (point 4). So it’s a ‘no’ from me.
And the ‘Rush’ reference? That was a return dash back along ‘Salman one’ to catch a train at Piccadilly station.

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