Salman two

Verified Slow Way

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The walk begins by travelling from Salford Crescent railway station down though the grounds of Salford University. Observe the intriguing climbing-wall sculpture Engels' Beard, named after Friedrich Engels, the political philosopher whose radical ideas were inspired by his time in Salford.
 
After passing the Clifford Whitworth Library turn right and head down towards some steep steps which will take you into Peel Park, claimed to be the world's first public park, having no entrance fees or dress codes unlike some others at the time. Continue forward though the park, following in the footsteps of renowned Salford artist LS Lowry who depicted the Peel Park in many of his quirky but wonderful paintings.
 
When you reach the other side of the park, use the footbridge to cross the Irwell and continue on to end of the road, turn left and then right to get to another bridge. Alternatively if you have time to make this a slower Slow Way, you can reach the second bridge by turning immediately right after the crossing, then meander around the Meadow, following the crescent shape of the river which gives this area its name.

Having crossed the Irwell for a second time it's time to follow the river for a while. Turn left at the end of the bridge and go along the river path until you reach Blackfriars road, cross this road then continue along the path.

After several minutes you will reach a sub-way under the Manchester inner ring road. Hold your breath until you reach the other side and then head right until you reach a street (Greengate). Turning left, go along Greengate, under the railway arches and then cross Chapel St to reach a footpath going once again over the river Irwell. Cross the bridge saying goodbye to Salford and hello to Manchester.
 
Once across the bridge you will see Manchester Cathedral, if you have time, pop in to see the magnificent £2.6m Stoller organ, otherwise continue along the Cathedral Yard turning right onto Cathedral Gate. Here you can take to opportunity to sample a drink at one of the historic pubs of Shambles Square situated here.
 
Next carry on up the steps and along the pedestrian street New Cathedral St, past the Royal Exchange with its theatre and into St Ann's Square. If you now go around St Ann's church you get one of the many ginnels that can take you through Manchester avoiding much of the crowds and traffic.
 
After passing through the first ginnel, St Ann's Passage, you will see a second directly across King St East. This takes you to South King Street. Turn left here then next right on to St James's Square. On reaching the end, cross John Dalton St and continue down another couple of ginnels. Congratulations you have now found Manchester's 'Hidden Gem' or to give it its proper name St Mary's Catholic Church. Keep going forward along Mulberry St and turn left onto Brazennose St, this takes you to centre of Manchester, Albert Square.
 
Finally, walk diagonally to the right across the square, admiring the marvellous neo-gothic Manchester town hall. Continue across Lloyd St and past the Town Hall Extension (also listed) and head left down Library Walk between it and the Central Library. At the end of this path you will reach St Peter's Square and the journey between Salford and Manchester will be complete

The walk begins by travelling from Salford Crescent railway station down though the grounds of Salford University. Observe the intriguing climbing-wall sculpture Engels' Beard, named after Friedrich Engels, the political philosopher whose radical ideas were inspired by his time in Salford.
 
After passing the Clifford Whitworth Library turn right and head down towards some steep steps which will take you into Peel Park, claimed to be the world's first public park, having no entrance fees or dress codes unlike some others at the time. Continue forward though the park, following in the footsteps of renowned Salford artist LS Lowry who depicted the Peel Park in many of his quirky but wonderful paintings.
 
When you reach the other side of the park, use the footbridge to cross the Irwell and continue on to end of the road, turn left and then right to get to another bridge. Alternatively if you have time to make this a slower Slow Way, you can reach the second bridge by turning immediately right after the crossing, then meander around the Meadow, following the crescent shape of the river which gives this area its name.

Having crossed the Irwell for a second time it's time to follow the river for a while. Turn left at the end of the bridge and go along the river path until you reach Blackfriars road, cross this road then continue along the path.

After several minutes you will reach a sub-way under the Manchester inner ring road. Hold your breath until you reach the other side and then head right until you reach a street (Greengate). Turning left, go along Greengate, under the railway arches and then cross Chapel St to reach a footpath going once again over the river Irwell. Cross the bridge saying goodbye to Salford and hello to Manchester.
 
Once across the bridge you will see Manchester Cathedral, if you have time, pop in to see the magnificent £2.6m Stoller organ, otherwise continue along the Cathedral Yard turning right onto Cathedral Gate. Here you can take to opportunity to sample a drink at one of the historic pubs of Shambles Square situated here.
 
Next carry on up the steps and along the pedestrian street New Cathedral St, past the Royal Exchange with its theatre and into St Ann's Square. If you now go around St Ann's church you get one of the many ginnels that can take you through Manchester avoiding much of the crowds and traffic.
 
After passing through the first ginnel, St Ann's Passage, you will see a second directly across King St East. This takes you to South King Street. Turn left here then next right on to St James's Square. On reaching the end, cross John Dalton St and continue down another couple of ginnels. Congratulations you have now found Manchester's 'Hidden Gem' or to give it its proper name St Mary's Catholic Church. Keep going forward along Mulberry St and turn left onto Brazennose St, this takes you to centre of Manchester, Albert Square.
 
Finally, walk diagonally to the right across the square, admiring the marvellous neo-gothic Manchester town hall. Continue across Lloyd St and past the Town Hall Extension (also listed) and head left down Library Walk between it and the Central Library. At the end of this path you will reach St Peter's Square and the journey between Salford and Manchester will be complete