Described as one of the most scenic canals in the country, the Peak Forest canal is 15 miles of paddle-heaven. It flows past mill workers cottages, lush woodland and open meadows. The canal is a route popular with nature lovers for its variety of flora and fauna along the route. Being so close to the Peak District National Park, it’s a great place to head for a paddle to mix up your walking in the area too.
The canal runs alongside the picturesque River Goyt for much of its length. You’ve got a few options of where you can paddle to and from here too. You can launch at the historically important Bugsworth Basin and paddle towards Marple Locks fleet of locks, or you can explore the canal in close proximately, parking at Whaley bridge and exploring Bugsworth Basin, then head up towards New Mills where the smell of Palma Violets is in the air, as the Swizzels sweet factory based here.
The Peak Forest canal is a particularly popular spot with stand up paddleboarders, with no portages until you reach Marple Locks, and a fun swing bridge to duck under too!