102 locks, 95 miles, around 62 hours

Five canals form this ring – Trent & Mersey, Bridgewater, Rochdale, Ashton and the Macclesfield. From the tranquillity of the Macclesfield, the energetic 31 locks of “Heartbreak Hill” and the double width locks in Manchester city centre, the Cheshire Ring is truly a ring of contrasts.

Some of the many attractions:

  • Anderton – the famous Boat Lift lowering boats 17 metres onto the River Weaver
  • Preston Brook – an 1130 metre tunnel
  • Manchester – moor safely in the city centre at Castlefield Basin
  • Boseley – 12 locks in a flight, 170 metres above sea level. Stunning views

A tough cruise for a crew of two. But with a larger crew a two week trip is recommended. And there is the opportunity to explore the scenic Peak Forest Canal to Whaley Bridge and Bugsworth Basin.