21st August 2025
Painting by local artist and historian David Kelsall.
Romiley, Greater Manchester – There are few finer ways to spend an afternoon than stretching your legs along the Peak Forest Canal, tracing the waterside path from Romiley to Marple. Just two miles in length, this gentle stroll takes you through a landscape rich in history, nature, and the quiet charm of our local waterways.
A Path Through History
The Peak Forest Canal first opened in 1800, built to carry limestone from the quarries at Dove Holes down towards the industries of Stockport and Manchester. Today, its cargo boats have long gone, replaced by narrowboats painted in bright livery, their engines chugging slowly as walkers, cyclists, and anglers enjoy the towpath.
From Romiley, the walk begins near the Chadkirk junction, where the canal curves gracefully past old mills and warehouses that once bustled with activity. Many of these buildings, now converted into homes or offices, stand as quiet reminders of our industrial heritage.
Waterside Wildlife
Even within earshot of trains at Romiley Station, the towpath soon feels green and secluded. Moorhens and mallards dart between the reeds, while herons stand like statues at the water’s edge. In summer, dragonflies skim the surface, and wildflowers add splashes of colour along the path. It’s a reminder that our canal isn’t just a piece of history, but a living corridor of nature.
Into Marple
As the towpath meanders towards Marple, the route becomes even more picturesque. The wooded banks rise up on either side, and the canal itself narrows and deepens in places. Before long, you’ll reach the celebrated Marple Aqueduct, completed in 1800 and still the highest canal aqueduct in England. Here, boats glide across a stone viaduct high above the River Goyt, while just beyond, the famous Marple Locks begin their descent—16 locks in total, forming one of the steepest flights in the country.
Rest, Refresh, Repeat
No Gazette walk would be complete without a nod to refreshments. Marple offers plenty of choices, from traditional pubs to cosy cafés where weary walkers can rest their legs and watch the boats. And for the return journey? Simply retrace your steps—or hop on a train from Marple back to Romiley.
A Local Treasure
The Romiley-to-Marple stretch of the Peak Forest Canal is more than a stroll. It’s a journey through our shared past, a celebration of our local landscape, and a reminder of the pleasures found right on our doorstep.
So next time the sun peeks out, lace up your walking shoes and take the canal path. It’s a walk that never fails to soothe the spirit.
