Piccadilly Village on the Ashton Canal, Manchester

Taken at the end of a very good day in and travelling to Manchester for a another meeting tomorrow about the prison contract work. Secured a cheap first class journey to Manchester from Bearsted, enjoyed the lounge at Euston and a relaxing journey, well looked after from Euston.

Stayed at the Ibis Budget hotel in Pollard Street where I've stayed before. It's about a mile from Piccadilly, easy to get to along the Ashton Canal. It's a bit spartan and utilitarian but does the job as I was only there to sleep.

Had some time to myself before meeting my brother for an evening in Manchester so I walked along the Ashton Canal past Sports City to Philips Park and back again and then on into the city to meet Richard. More walking took us to the Port Street Brewhouse which was a gem of a place in the backstreets. Being left handed and tall, what other beer could I have than one called "Left Handed Giant -Red"?

A couple of beers later we walked across the city to the Almost Famous Burger Bar for a big blowout and more beer. Good burgers too. Finally another walk back across the city to Piccadilly for Richard to pick up the train home. A great evening catching up. Walked almost 9 miles to and from Sports City and around the city centre. This shot was taken on my way back to the hotel in the late evening light.