Brilliant Bugsworth Basin

Sunday 13th September 2020

We took our time to get started from Higher Poynton as we were both still a little tired from yesterday. The top end of the Macclesfield Canal is very pretty and we enjoyed the run up to Marple in fine weather. We stopped at the trading post for diesel, and had plenty of time to enjoy the views, including sudden glimpses of Manchester in the distance.

We were followed by a day boat into Marple, and they ploughed past us while we were on tick-over to pass some moored boats. Having got in front, they then encountered the junction where they needed to turn around.

Now we were on the Upper Peak Forest canal, which is so awesome! For nearly all of the trip to Whaley Bridge there are glorious views across the Goyt Valley.

There are four lift/swing bridges to deal with on this stretch. The first is a lift bridge operated by windlass, the second is electric and just needs the key of power and a button press.

The swing bridges also need the key to unlock them, but then they are pushed out of the way using old fashioned man-power.

It really is a charming canal, and even the industrial bit, at New Mills is the Swizzles sweet factory!

After a long, hot day we arrived at the junction where the canal splits to go to Whaley Bridge to the right, and Bugsworth Basin to the left. Right in the fork is a large Tesco’s and we wanted to stop for some shopping. I thought our best chance would be to take the right fork, but most of the towpath was reserved for permit holders, and the only couple of visitor moorings were full. We turned in the basin and encountered fuel boat Alton delivering diesel to one of the moored boats. It was a tight squeeze to get past!

Having then turned on to the Bugsworth arm, there was no mooring until we actually reached the basins. I took aright hand turn to visit the upper basins, which were full, but we managed to slot in to the lower basin where we have enjoyed a very pleasant weekend. I highly recommend Bugsworth as a destination!

It was about a 20 minute walk back to the supermarket, and I declined Anne’s offer of the shopping trolly as there was a high footbridge to negotiate and then a scramble down a steep slope. Of course, on the way back I spotted the horse tunnel which goes under the canal and a gentle ramp to the towpath. Ah well, I will know for next time.