Macclesfield to Bollington

A circular walk along the Macclesfield Canal using the attractive Middlewood Way on the old railway line to complete the route. En route you pass huge splendid mills from the Victorian era and cross aqueducts giving dramatic views across Cheshire countryside.

From the car park walk to the petrol station and join the Middlewood way by the railings. Walk away from Macclesfield towards Bollington. The path alternates between open areas and quite deep cuttings, crosses the busy new Silk Road after a mile and in a tree lined area reaches bridge 5, a stone bridge that has a four row brick arch. This is two miles into the walk, under the bridge is an information board and there is also a red brick house up on the right - ahead the old railway went across a splendid, high viaduct so if you fancy a look carry on for 200 yards then return to the bridge.

Here leave the path up the gently sloping path on the left, at the top turn right over the bridge and continue through the small group of houses out onto the Macclesfield Canal towpath, turn right. The canal here has a very intimate feel with small trees by the towpath and pretty gardens opposite. First major landmark is the huge Adelphi Mill, this was originally a silk mill but is now offices and a pub. On the non towpath side is Bollington Wharf.

Within half a mile you leave Bollington and the next 2 miles are across open country. The canal is still tree lined but with great views of the rolling hills all around. At Clarke Lane Bridge, no.29, the tow path crosses to the left hand side of the canal where it stays until reaching Macclesfield. By bridge 34 there are two pubs just off the canal if you fancy a stop. After passing bridge 36 you turn the corner and on the right is the Peak Forest Cruisers base and ahead is bridge 37. Your route leaves the canal here and goes right, down Buxton Road. Turn right at the traffic lights by the splendid Arighi Bianchi furniture shop, continue to the roundabout and turn right. Cross the road by the crossing and back to the car park.

Getting there

Parking: Car park by Tesco