Moorings on the Peak Forest Canal

The Peak Forest Canal runs 24 kilometres from Whaley Bridge and Bugsworth Basin in the Derbyshire Peak District descending dramatically through New Mills and Marple to join the Ashton Canal at Dukinfield Junction near Manchester. Opened in 1800, the canal was built to bring limestone from the Peak District quarries to industrial Manchester, and the dramatic Marple flight of 16 locks (lifting boats 64 metres in a little over a mile) plus the spectacular Marple Aqueduct over the River Goyt make this one of the most visually arresting cruises on the network. For boat owners, the Peak Forest is a stunning short canal with serious character. Long-stay moorings are available at Bugsworth Basin (a beautifully restored historic limestone wharf), Whaley Bridge, New Mills Marina and Marple Junction. Bugsworth in particular is a destination liveaboard mooring — peaceful, historic and surrounded by the Peak District National Park. The canal connects at Marple Junction to the Macclesfield Canal, making it part of the popular Cheshire Ring cruising circuit. Liveaboards enjoy genuine Peak District access (walking onto Kinder Scout from the towpath), with rail at Whaley Bridge, New Mills and Marple giving direct trains to Manchester in under 30 minutes. A short but unforgettable canal with views, scenery and heritage in equal measure.