Cheshire Ring Canal Walk
A 98-mile long-distance walk in northwest England following the towpaths of six historic canals of various ages and character. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SJ 962 884
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
Time: 40–50 hours
Duration: 5–8 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL1 The Peak District – Dark Peak Area
OL24 The Peak District – White Peak Area
257 Crewe, Nantwich, Whitchurch and Tattenhall
258 Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme
267 Northwich and Delamere Forest
268 Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Congleton
275 Liverpool, St Helens, Widnes and Runcorn
276 Bolton Central, Wigan and Warrington
277 Manchester and Salford
Summary
Following the towpaths along six historic canals of various ages and character, this walk offers the solitude of quiet countryside, the hustle and bustle of city streets, and scenic views across the Cheshire Plain and Peak District hills. Moving anticlockwise from Macclesfield, the route follows the Macclesfield Canal to Marple; the Peak Forest, Ashton, and Rochdale canals into Manchester to join the Bridgewater Canal at Castlefield; follows the Bridgewater Canal to Preston Brook; continues along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Hardings Wood Junction near Kidsgrove; and returns via the Macclesfield Canal back to the start. (Source: LDWA)