Canals
New Horizons canal trip
Venue: Marple Wharf, Macclesfield Canal
Time: Embark 1pm for departure at 1.30pm, return 5pm
Price: £6
Description
An afternoon trip on the picturesque Macclesfield Canal with commentary. New Horizons is in her 30th season and during the Festival there are two open opportunities (also Sunday 25th September) for members of the local community to take a cruise on this purpose built boat for people with disabilities.
There are only 12 places per trip so book early to avoid disappointment.
Contact/Tickets
Contact: Bookings Officer Marion Eyers on 0161 430 8082 or 07926 950741
Canals of the region talk
Venue: Independent Evangelical Church
Time: 7.30pm
Price: £2.50 Pay on the door
Description
Ian Edgar MBE and David Sumner MBE have been involved in canal restoration since the 1970s: Ian at Bugsworth Basin on the Upper Peak Forest Canal, David on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Both systems were restored at the turn of this century. Their illustrated talks will chart their restoration and highlight the role of volunteers in the waterways movement.
‘Bell’ canal cruise
Venue: from Ring O’Bells/canal
Time: 7pm
Price: £30
Description
The 72ft party narrow boat The Bell will cruise you down the Macclesfield or the Peak Forest canal (depending on weather) for 2 1/2 hours. Whilst on board you will enjoy real ales supplied by Storm Brewing Co, Bollington Brewery, Dunham Massey and Tatton Brewery.
Come and join them as they demonstrate the learning process of songs. There will also be the opportunity for the audience to join in and to hear a performance of a number of songs from their repertoire.
On return you will then be served with a buffet at The Ring O' Bells, Marple. £30pp per cruise is an all-inclusive price for ales and buffet. Please book in advance.
Contact/Tickets
Contact The Ring O’ Bells on 0161 427 2300 or email romanza1@virginmedia.com
‘Bell’ canal cruise
Venue: from Ring O’Bells/canal
Time: 1pm and 7pm
Price: £30
Description
The 72ft party narrow boat The Bell will cruise you down the Macclesfield or the Peak Forest canal (depending on weather) for 2 1/2 hours. Whilst on board you will enjoy real ales supplied by Storm Brewing Co, Bollington Brewery, Dunham Massey and Tatton Brewery.
On return you will then be served with a buffet at The Ring O' Bells, Marple. £30pp per cruise is an all-inclusive price for ales and buffet. Please book in advance. Two cruises today.
Contact/Tickets
Contact The Ring O’ Bells on 0161 427 2300 or email romanza1@virginmedia.com
New Horizons canal trip
Venue: Marple Wharf, Macclesfield Canal
Time: Embark 1pm for departure at 1.30pm, return 5pm
Price: £6
Description
An afternoon trip on the picturesque Macclesfield Canal with commentary. New Horizons is in her 30th season and during the Festival there are two open opportunities (also Sunday 18th September) for members of the local community to take a cruise on this purpose built boat for people with disabilities.
There are only 12 places per trip so book early to avoid disappointment.
Contact/Tickets
Contact: Bookings Officer Marion Eyers on 0161 430 8082 or 07926 950741
‘Bell’ canal cruise
Venue: Ring O’Bells/canal
Time: 10am-5pm
Price: £20
Description
Historical cruise to Bugsworth Basin. Escape to delightful scenery and gently ply the peaceful waters of the Peak Forest canal to Bugsworth basin, whilst enjoying the relaxed environment aboard The Bell, a 72ft floating pub. On arrival at Bugsworth you will be given a guided tour of the basin. On return to the Ring O'Bells you will be served with a buffet.
Full day excursion arriving back at The Ring O' Bells at 5pm.
£20pp includes cruise, tour and buffet on return.
Contact/Tickets
Contact The Ring O’ Bells on 0161 427 2300 or email romanza1@virginmedia.com
Walks
Venue: Hawk Green
Canals and railways
Time: Hawk Green: 10am, Canals and railways: 2pm
Price: Free
Description
Walks will last 1½-2 hours and the pace will be slow with lots of stops to look at points of interest. Led by Judith Wilshaw.
Hawk Green: Start 10am
Gathering point: Steps of Hawk Green Reading Room, Upper Hibbert Lane (near entrance to Hawk Green CC)
Hawk Green has been a scattered farming community since early times. The Macclesfield Canal opened in 1832, providing much improved transport links, and encouraged Mr Shepley of Hazel Grove to build a steam powered cotton mill on its banks in 1834. It was followed by the much larger Goyt Mill in 1905. The mills needed workers, so houses were built, and a community began. Finding the evidence of the farms, mill cottages, social and religious provision will show you Hawk Green as you’ve never thought of it before!
Around Hawk Green suitable for wheelchairs, but not the canal towpath – sorry.
Canals and Railways: Start 2pm
Gathering point: Top Lock at junction of Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals (accessed from Stockport Road via Lock Side)
When the Industrial Revolution got going, poor transport infrastructure hampered production and trade. The canal network developed, and then the railways to resolve this problem.
Marple landed up with two canals and two railway lines! This walk will explore why the Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals were built, how locks work, look at the wonderful aqueduct which takes the canal across the valley of the River Goyt 100 feet above the river, and find out what happened when the railway arrived, inventing the commuter, and giving us modern day Marple.
Possible for wheelchairs with a ‘pusher’.
