Macclesfield Canal

Macclesfield Canal

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WATERWAYS LICENCES

Many waterways in England and Wales require a licence to paddle. Check the licence section below to see if this is one. Save money on your licence and secure paddling insurance by joining British Canoeing. Use our easy step RapidJoin process. Open the slider to join.

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Canal Licensing Information

Licence Required?

Yes - included in British Canoeing Membership

License Authority

Canal and River Trust

A mostly green, lush, rural canal, the Macclesfield canal runs for 26 miles connecting the Peak Forest Canal to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Be aware! If you’re planning to connect to the Peak Forest Canal as you’ll be met with the flight of locks known as Marple Lock. 16 locks in close succession and one serious uphill portage!

Although the Macclesfield Canal has a total of 13 locks, 12 of those are at Bosley Locks. Due to most of the locks being in flights, you don’t have to worry too much about portaging. You can just paddle along and enjoy the wildlife and Victorian architecture.

The canal, was originally built as an important route for the potteries in the West Midlands. It helped transport goods to Manchester and further afield. The canal also forms part of the ‘Cheshire cruising ring’ for boaters. So, if you wanted to plan a multi-day adventure, this canal is well connected for that!