Boating along the Macclesfield Canal

As with so many of Telford's canals, the Macclesfield follows a level course for many miles, with all the locks grouped into one flight, at Bosley. The canal forms part of the Cheshire Ring and is consequently popular with hire-boaters and private boat-owners alike.

The canal mostly avoids built-up areas. Its northern section grazes the edge of the Manchester conurbation, while Congleton and Macclesfield are the only two settlements of consequence after Marple. All this combines to make the canal the most attractive part of the Cheshire Ring, a hire-boaters’ favourite.

Note that the features that make the canal so attractive - the tree-lined aspect and the way it clings to the hillside - can also make it difficult to see round corners! You should take extra care at such locations.

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.