The Macclesfield canal - A canal boat holidays information article.

Marina(s) : Anderton

Length: 26 miles - Locks: 12 - Aqueducts: 8 - Swing Bridges: 2

Linked to: Peak Forest Canal, Trent and Mersey

Part of the Cheshire Ring linking Trent and Mersey Canal, Bridgewater Canal and Ashton and Peak Forest Canal.

Completed in 1831 The Macclesfield Canal was one of the last canals to be built in Britain and at 518 feet above sea level is one of the highest canal levels on the canal system. The canal is noted for its fine stone bridges and in particular snake bridges where the towpath changes sides of the canal. These bridges were designed to allow the horse to move over without having to be untied from the boat.

PLACES OF INTEREST ON ROUTE

Originally the home of the silk industry the ancient town of Macclesfield is full of character with old mills and sloping streets. The steepest street of all is formed by 108 steps which lead to the town’s medieval church. Visitors can learn the complicated procedure of silk production and about the history of the industry at the town's Paradise Silk Mill.

With the Bosley Cloud, a 1125 feet fell, dominating the landscape the 12 flight of locks at Bosley Locks must be one of the most scenic in the country. The locks lift the canal for 110 feet as it's make it way towards Marple.

An aqueduct links the town of Marple to the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canal networks. Built by Benjamin Outran the aqueduct lies just beyond Marple Bottom Lock. The three arch structure spans the River Goyt and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The Middlewood Way runs close to the Macclesfield Canal and there are many opportunities for walkers from an easy ramble or for the more adventurous a hike reaching into the Peak District Foothills. The Nelson Pit Centre provides visitors with information about the Macclesfield Canal and the surrounding countryside.

A fascination attraction The Anson Engine Museum is recognised as one of the country's leading specialist museums. This award winning museum houses a unique collection of gas and oil engines and tells the story of the engine from the cannon to the sophisticated electronically controlled engine of the future.

Owned by the National Trust, Lyme Park is a magnificent estate and is probably one of the most famous country-house images in England as it's backdrop  was used for 'Pemberley' in 'Pride and Prejudice' when Darcy met Elizabeth.

PLACES TO VISIT

Manchester