Peak Forest Canal

The Peak Forest Canal is a narrow, locked waterway in northern England. It runs for nearly 24 kilometres between Greater Manchester and Derbyshire. The canal has two main sections: the Lower Peak Forest Canal and the Upper Peak Forest Canal. A flight of 16 locks lifts boats by 64 metres over a short distance near Marple. The Lower Canal passes through rural areas, woods and fields, while the Upper Canal clings to the valley side with wide views over the Peak District. It ends at Bugsworth Basin, a restored harbour once used for loading limestone. The canal was authorised in 1794 to carry limestone from Dove Holes to Manchester markets. Samuel Oldknow and Richard Arkwright Junior provided much of the finance. The engineer Benjamin Outram and surveyor Thomas Brown designed the route and aqueducts. The tramway from Bugsworth to the quarries was built at the same time. Trade grew quickly, with lime kilns and coal brought to the basin by boat. The canal’s income came mainly from limestone, quicklime and coal transport. Visitors today can walk or cruise along either canal. The Lower Canal follows the River Tame past Dukinfield, Hyde and Romiley. Near Marple it climbs through locks set in parkland and woodland. The Upper Canal runs from Marple to Strines and New Mills, offering long views across the valley. Bugsworth Basin is a popular mooring with restored lime kilns and a small village beside it. The whole route forms part of the Cheshire Ring, linking several canals for longer journeys.