Incredible 100-mile floating walkway linking UK city centre’s parks, rivers and canals is revealed in £100million plans
A 100-MILE network of floating walkways could soon debut in one of the UK’s largest cities.
Plans for the £100million project include boat jetties, cycle lanes and new signage.
A proposal to create a 100-mile floating network of pathways in Manchester has now made “significant” progress forward.
The concept – drawn up by CyanLines – was created with the aim “to connect Greater Manchester’s blue and green spaces into a high quality network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes” for residents and visitors.
The cyan-coloured walkways have been designed to snake along either side of the River Irwell, complete with jetties for rowing boats and cycle lanes.
The £100million scheme was first announced in September 2025 and was expected to be developed over the next 10 years.
Now, the project is now well within the first phase of co-design and agreement – including drawing up an investment case – according to co-founder, Tom Bloxham.
Backed by Manchester City Council, Labour leader Bev Craig also told Manchester Evening News that the plans are making ‘significant’ steps forward.
The project, also supported by the National Trust, is said to bring a host of benefits to the city, including better access to green spaces, more opportunities for businesses and healthier residents.
Four CyanLines pilot loops are currently being ‘proof-tested’ by the public, with more than 15 miles of paths plotted.
These routes include a trail from St Peter’s Square to Whitworth Park and the Irwell & Castlefield Loop.
Pete Swift, CyanLines project co-founder, said: “The routes will be the starting point, or spring board, for a whole plethora of CyanLines projects which will bring new opportunities for nature to thrive and to be enjoyed.”