Traditional work boats moor at a three-way canal junction with warehouses to one side and a tall brick chimney in the background.

Portland Basin

Where canals, boats, and people meet, Portland Basin sits at the junction of the Peak Forest, Ashton, and Huddersfield Narrow canals.

Visit the old Ashton Canal Warehouse museum to learn more about the local industrial history or take a walk along one of three canals – stretching into the heart of Manchester or across the idyllic countryside.

Screenshot of Portland Basin map and guide downloadable.

Download your free map

More information about what you can enjoy at Portland Basin

Things to see and do

Places of interest

Planning your visit

Address
1 Portland Pl, Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, OL7 0QA
Opening times
The towpath is always open.
Prices
Once you're parked up, it won't cost you a thing.
Toilets
Toilets are available in Portland Basin museum.

Got a bike?

Share the space with other towpath users

Getting here

By car
Postcode: OL7 0QA
There is parking available at the museum.
By boat
There are temporary moorings at both Portland Basin Marina and Droylsden Marina.

Boats moored in a marina in front of a large industrial-era warehouse.

Person walks over a bridge at a three-way canal junction with a sign pointing to Marple, Whaley Bridge, and Macclesfield.

Boats moored along a tree-lined canal with residential buildings on one side and a large brick chimney in the background.

Boats moored in a marina in front of a large industrial-era warehouse.