Greater Manchester, Lancashire & Cheshire Canals

Manchester Canals
Inland Waterways around Greater Manchester

Canals around Greater Manchester: the Cheshire Ring Canal System

This circular route along 5 navigable canals owned by British Waterways, (and 1 other, the Bridgewater Canal, which is not a BW canal although it does allow free access to BW registered boats).

The Ring is 97 miles long, has 92 locks and takes about 50 hours cruising time. As a circular route, it is a favourite with hire boaters, as it brings them back to the base starting point, easily within a week.

It covers the Macclesfield Canal, the Upper & Lower Peak Forest Canals, the Rochdale Canal, the Ashton Canal, the Bridgewater Canal, and a part of the Trent & Mersey Canal. From Worsley, it also offers access to Leigh and Wigan via the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

The cruise takes in most of the county of Cheshire, (hence the name) as well as driving directly through Manchester city centre, and entering the Peak District National Park towards Whaley Bridge. These stark contrasts, no doubt, are essential factors in its popularity.

• Macclesfield Canal
• Rochdale Canal
• Peak Forest Canal
• Bridgewater Canal
• Trent & Mersey Canal
• Leeds & Liverpool Canal
• Ashton Canal
• Boat Hire, Repair & Chandlers
• Portland Basic Heritage Centre & Museum
• Huddersfield Narrow Canal
• Castlefield Canal Basin
• Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal (under restoration)
• Inland Waterways Association - Manchester Canals