How to get there - Marple is about 10 miles south-east of Manchester. From the M60 (Junction 27) take the A626 to Marple via Stockport. A quarter of a mile after Rose Hill Station take the B6101 (Stockport Road)on the right. Just before the canal bridge turn right into Lockside and continue past four locks parking just before the canal bridge.
Get a map with driving directions to
start (enter the postcode of your starting point at A)
Suggested Launch Site - Launch over the canal bank in front of Top Lock House.
General
Description - We set off from Marple Canal Junction, where the Macclesfield Canal and Peak Forest Canal meet. We had an enjoyable paddle along the Peak Forest Canal as far as Furness Vale, which is approximately 5 miles. If you want to go further then you can extend the round trip by another 5 miles or more but as it was our first paddle of the year we decided not to overdo it and turned round just after Furness Vale. As we made our way back I took some photos of our return trip.
If you need a pub there is nothing canalside once you are outside Marple but near the start is the Ring o` Bells at Bridge No. 2 on the Macclesfield Canal and the Navigation at Lock 13 just a short distance from the start and finish point.
There are no locks or portages but there are several swing bridges that need to be ducked under. This is easy to do with care, so it should be suitable for a family day out.
