Moorings on the Macclesfield Canal

The Macclesfield Canal is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful inland canals in England, running 42 kilometres across the western edge of the Peak District from Marple Junction (where it leaves the Peak Forest Canal) southward through Bollington, Macclesfield and Congleton to Hall Green Junction near Kidsgrove (where it joins the Trent & Mersey). Designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1831, it was one of the very last main-line canals built in the Industrial Revolution and benefits from late-canal-age engineering — straight cuts, deep cuttings and impressive masonry features. For boat owners, the Macclesfield's defining feature is its scenery: the Pennine foothills rise dramatically to the east, with views across the Cheshire Plain to the west and the unmistakable silhouette of The Cloud and Mow Cop overlooking the southern reaches. Long-stay moorings are available at Bosley Wharf, Macclesfield, Bollington and Heritage Marina at Scholar Green. The canal passes a dozen quiet villages with characterful canal-side pubs and walking routes onto the moors and into the Peak District National Park. The 12 locks of the Bosley flight are the canal's only major lock-work and are spread out enough to be enjoyable rather than punishing. Excellent rail at Macclesfield (West Coast Main Line, London in under 2 hours) and Congleton makes this a practical and picturesque liveaboard waterway.