[1] The Peak Forest Canal was authorised by an Act of Parliament obtained in 1794, which was designed to access the limestone deposits at Doveholes, near Whaley Bridge.

[2] Although a route through Macclesfield to connect the Trent and Mersey Canal to Manchester had been suggested as early as 1777,[3] an Act of Parliament was not obtained until 1826, following a survey by Thomas Telford.

[5] The junction with the Peak Forest Canal is just above the top lock of the Marple flight.

To the south-east, the canal is level for 6.7 miles (10.8 km) to its terminus at Bugsworth Basin, which has been restored by the Inland Waterways Protection Society.

[6] The canal is level for 16.1 miles (25.9 km) to the top of the Bosley flight and continues on to reach Hall Green stop lock, its junction with the Trent and Mersey Canal, at 26.1 miles (42.0 km).