A popular Cheshire waterway, close to the Peak District National Park

There a number of famous canals throughout Cheshire, a legacy from the time when there was a true Northern Powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution.

Many of the waterways, such as the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal opened up trade and distribution routes for the thriving city of Manchester.

The Macclesfield Canal in the east of the county was opened in 1831 and was designed as a direct link between Manchester and the Midlands, it runs for 26 miles in total from Marple Bridge, where it joins the Peak Forest Canal all the way down to Kidsgrove in Staffordshire which is close to the border with Cheshire.

In Bollington, you can visit the famous White Nancy that is close by, or you can take a walk to the pretty Pott Shrigley on the edge of the Peak District.

Of course there is also Macclesfield itself, from which the canal takes its name, you can take a trip to nearby Gawsworth Hall and Danes Moss. Further south is the famous Bosley Lock Flight, a flight of twelve canal locks which is close to the village of North Rode.

Just before it crosses into Staffordshire, the canal passes through Congleton, a popular place to visit and a useful base to venture out further to explore nearby landmarks such as Little Moreton Hall and Mow Cop.

Macclesfield Canal is considered by many to be the most picturesque of all the canals in the Cheshire area, the beautiful surrounding countryside, the historic bridges and locks and many famous landmarks close to the route, it’s easy to see why this location is just as popular with walkers as those who are boating.

Why don’t you upload your images of the Macclesfield Canal to the Cheshire Life reader photo gallery?