On two Monday evenings, the New Horizons Narrow-boat took members and friends of the Society on a trip from Marple Junction to Bridge 12 in High Lane, covering a round trip akin to five miles along the Macclesfield Canal (established in 1824), which connects with the Peak Forest Canal (built in 1796) in the area.
The third event of the season was not a walk, as the summer events usually are, but an evening cruise along the Macclesfield Canal, starting from the New Horizons headquarters at Marple Wharf and passing under twelve bridges to the boat's turnaround point—a relaxing two-hour journey of about five miles. This five-mile stretch is just a small part of the extensive 21st-century canal network. There are now about 4,700 miles (7,600 km) of navigable canals and rivers throughout the United Kingdom; 2,700 miles (4,345 km) are part of a connected system.
How did this come to be?
North of England Canals © David Edwards-May 2022 from European Waterways Map and Directory 6th ed.
Let’s take a history interlude. The 3,000-mile canal network in Great Britain is now mainly used for recreational purposes, but most of it was constructed over 250 years ago to transport goods and materials, which played a crucial role in the industrial revolution. In southern England, landowners created the first inland waterways to distribute agricultural products. However, in 1761, the narrative shifted north when the Duke of Bridgewater significantly reduced coal prices in Manchester by connecting his coal mines in Worsley to the city via the Bridgewater Canal. The financial success of this and other early canals ignited a wave of canal construction, Between 1791 and 1795 alone, 44 acts were passed for new canals, leading to a speculative boom, Canal Mania. At its peak, the broader inland waterway network spanned over 5,000 miles and transported 30 million tons of goods and raw materials across Britain annually.
With the introduction of railways, some successful canals could remain competitive, while others either shut down or were absorbed by larger entities. The decline of traditional industries after the First and Second World Wars resulted in a significant drop in commercial traffic on the canals, leading to their neglect. Interest in these waterways was rekindled in 1944 with the release of Tom Rolt's book, ‘Narrow Boat’, which has remained in print ever since. This, along with the formation of the Inland Water Association (IWA), sparked a national interest in the previously overlooked canal network, prompting campaigns for their conservation, maintenance, and restoration. The British Waterways Board was established in 1963, but it wasn't until Barbara Castle's Transport Act of 1968 that the recreational value of canals was officially acknowledged, allowing for public funding to support their use for leisure activities. As a result, during the 1960s and 1970s, dedicated volunteers successfully restored many canals.
The local canal network has significantly shaped Marple's development, providing a valuable resource for boaters, cyclists, anglers, and walkers, both with and without dogs. The area has been famous for its 16-lock canal staircase and Grade I Aqueduct, assigned as such in 1966. The locks underwent dredging and restoration in the 1960s and 1970s, reopening on May 13, 1974.
The New Horizons Boat, operated by the Stockport Canal Boat Trust, was inaugurated in 1981 by then 33-year-old King Charles III, in the disguise of Prince Charles at the time. He remarked that a canal boat trip was the closest experience a disabled person could have to walking in the countryside. Over its 43-year history, the boat has had five captains and is estimated to have transported more than 120,000 passengers from its location at the junction of the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals in Marple. The Trust does not receive funding from any government entity, so it relies on donations, sponsorships, bequests, and fundraising efforts to manage its operating expenses. At the end of 2023, the boat underwent a thorough refurbishment and modernization at Debdale Wharf Marina in Leicestershire, costing £90,000, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for many years to come.
Church Lane Bridge, Marple - 'snake' bridge (Source: https://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/)
The Macclesfield Canal, which was completed in 1824 and connects with the Peak Forest Canal established in 1796. The Macclesfield Canal took 66 years to develop, with initial proposals made in 1756, but it wasn't until 1824 that plans were realized, leading to its opening in 1831. By that time, discussions about the necessity of a canal or railway were underway. The construction of the canal required £320,000, which would be over £3 million in July 2024. Designed to support both mills and mines, the canal established a connection with the Potteries and Midlands, competing directly with the Trent & Mersey Canal. The waterway features numerous Grade II structures, including the distinctive roving bridges, locally referred to as snake bridges, which allowed towing horses to cross the canal without being untied from the boat.
On a lovely summer evening in August, we boarded the New Horizons via the Wharf by 5:45 pm, setting off at 6pm. Our first task was to briefly leave the Macclesfield Canal to turn the 72-foot boat around in the Marple Canal basin, which is part of the Peak Forest Canal. During this manoeuvre, we passed Marple Wharf and the stop lock twice before continuing our journey under 11 bridges of the 1831 canal. Each bridge offered a unique perspective of familiar sights, such as the roads of Marple and the surrounding area crossing over the 19th-century canal. The two hours flew by, providing ample space to explore the boat with just twelve passengers on board and time to enjoy conversations with fellow travellers, in relaxing surroundings. Upon returning to Marple Wharf, everyone agreed it was a delightful evening. We extend our sincere gratitude to Jackie for organisng this enjoyable outing and to the volunteers who operated the narrow-boat.
Remember, use it or lose it!
Text: Martin Cruickshank, August 2024
Photos Credits: New Horizons - Pennine Waterways
Further Reading:
- Virtual canal trip along the Macclesfield Canal
- About Macclefield Canal
- The Macclesfield Canal: Management Plan 2017 - 2020
Footnote:
The New Horizons Boat carries a round dozen passengers. Due to this rather limited capacity, the cruise on the canal was originally planned to take place on two Monday evenings, the 8th & 15th July. The second took place on the appropriate date, however the first was cancelled in the afternoon of 8th July, as a result of an unfortunate episode. At 1.30pm that afternoon, a car accidentally drove into the Macclesfield Canal by the Goyt Mill. The incident happened during the execution of three-point-turn. Police, paramedics and fire crews attended the scene. The woman driver managed to escape from the car. After rescue by firefighters, using a long-reach pole, she was taken to hospital to be ‘checked over as a precaution’ but escaped any serious injury.
The cruise was rescheduled, taking place on the evening of Friday 16th August.
Above images by Peter Stockdale (Source: https://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/)
