The Peak Forest Canal opened at the end of the 18th century and was constructed to carry limestone from Buxworth into Manchester. The canal covers some 14 miles from Buxwoth to its junction with the Ashton Canal at Dukinfield Junction.

From its terminus at Buxworth, the canal runs north past the arm in to Whaley Bridge , a charming town with pleasant moorings. The canal the follows a pretty route overlooking the Goyt Valley and as you approach New Mills you'll detect a sweet smell in the air as the canal passes the Matlows factory where "Swizzles" are made. The canal then reaches Marple and the junction with the Macclesfield Canal. You may like to take a look around the town before tackling the 16 locks that make up the Marple flight.

After the locks is the impressive Marple Aqueduct and the canal then continues to Manchester running through Romiley, a useful spot to stock up on provisions, Hyde and on to Dukinfield Junction which links with the Ashton Canal and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Portland Basin provides useful moorings