Canals in Cheshire

A large number of canals were built in Cheshire, England, during the early phases of the Industrial Revolution to transport goods and raw materials.

The canal runs west from Manchester for about 4 miles (6 km), where it splits into two parts at "Waters Meeting" junction.

The other part of the canal travels about 20 miles (32 km) south-west to Runcorn, passing through the towns of Sale and Lymm, and to the south of central Warrington.

The Peak Forest Canal runs from a junction with the Ashton Canal at the southern end of the Tame Aqueduct at Dukinfield through Newton, Hyde, Woodley, Bredbury, Romiley, Marple, Strines, Disley, New Mills, Furness Vale, and Bridgemont.

Because it takes approximately a week to complete, it is suited to narrowboat holidays which start and return to the same location.

It is popular because it offers a contrast between the city centre of Manchester, views of the Peak District, and the Cheshire Plain.

Canal boats navigating the Beeston Locks
Bridgewater Canal at Stockton Heath
Schematic of the Cheshire Ring Rochdale Canal Ashton Canal Peak Forest Canal Macclesfield Canal Trent and Mersey Canal Bridgewater Canal Kidsgrove Preston Brook Manchester Ashton-under-Lyne Marple
Schematic of the Cheshire Ring