Peak Forest Canal; Bugsworth Basin to New Mills Marina

1.5-2.5 hours

Duration

5 miles

Distance

Out and Back

Easy

Difficulty

SK23 7NE

Start Postcode

SK23 7NE

End Postcode

A. Park along the gravel drive leading down to the entrance of the basin. Put in near the caféand turn right - through the narrow channel out of the basin.

B. At the T-junction of the canal about ½ a mile down, turn right down the canal.

C. Paddle along the peaceful canal, absorbing all the wildlife that will come to greet you. If you’re lucky, the resident heron will come to say hello!

D. Just before you arrive at Furnace Vale Marina, there is a low swing bridge. Paddle boards will fit under the bridge but other crafts are advised to portage or use the swing bridge. Please make sure you leave the swing bridge in the position you find it.

E. Pass through Furnace Vale Marina and continue up to New Mills Marina. If you look to your right you will see the beautiful mill town of New Mills and the stunning viaduct across the valley. The Swizzels Matlow factory is just on your right up here – if you’re lucky you will smell the Parma violets from the canal!

F. New Mills Marina marks your turning point. Be aware that this area has giant hogweed growing which you will see on the opposite site to the tow path. Be careful not to go near or touch the hogweed as the sap from the plant can cause skin burns.

G. Turn around and re-trace your journey back.

Discover More

A beautiful paddle on the edge of the Peak District National Park, with rolling countryside views and a glimpse into Derbyshire’s industrial past.

Bugsworth Basin is a canal basin at the terminus of the Peak Forest Canal. It is located at Buxworth (formerly Bugsworth) in the valley of the Black Brook, close to Whaley Bridge. It was once a busy interchange with the Peak Forest Tramway, for the transport of limestone and burnt lime.

In 2005 the basin reopened to boat traffic after a £1.2 million restoration, undertaken by British Waterways working with the IWPS.

The basin is situated on the fringe of the Peak District National Park and the purpose of the restoration was to develop this industrial heritage site as a tourist centre.

The Peak Forest Canal was completed in 1800, except for the flight of locks at Marple, which were finished four years later. It was built to transport lime and grit stone from the quarries at Dove Holes to industrial Manchester and beyond. Constructed on two levels, it goes from the junction with the Macclesfield Canal at Marple, six and a half-miles to the termini at Whaley Bridge or Buxworth. At 518 feet above sea level, it’s the highest stretch of navigable water in the whole canal system, as it clings to the hillside with fabulous views, on a clear day, of the Pennines and the flat plateau of Kinder Scout to the south.

Further information can be found on the following websites:

www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Licence Information

The waterways in this trail are managed by the Canal & River Trust, and it is a requirement for paddlers to hold a licence. Paddle UK’s On The Water membership includes an annual licence for here as well as other waterways.

When paddling, have your membership card with you as proof of licence; otherwise, you could face a fine. Get your digital membership card straight away with your licence and liability insurance included from www.paddleuk.org.uk.

JOIN PADDLE UK

Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.