The Peaks and Forest Canal

We traveled on the Peaks and Forest Canal from Marple Junction to the end of that section, at the town of Whaley Bridge. At Whaley Bridge there is a basin for services (water and refuse) and a winding hole. The purpose of a winding hole is so you can turn and reverse direction. By the way, it is winding, as in "Blowing in the Wind", not winding as a watch. In horse drawn days turning was often accomplished by turning the boat's bow and allowing the wind to blow against the side of the boat and complete the job.

The winding hole at Whaley Bridge, this section of the canal ends just beyond our stern.

Several views along the canal.

 

 

I saw this sign along the canal - It caught my eye, then I read carefully.

 

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As we approached Marple Junction on the return trip the canal got a little crowded.

Access to the the Macclesfield Canal is through the bridge arch to the left; which is the location of the warehouse from a post or two ago. To continue on the Peaks and Forest Canal, there are a series of locks beginning in front of the buildings straight ahead.

Also at the junction is a sign post showing the canal names and canal-side towns in several directions. At the top of the sign is a circle that reads "Cheshire Ring". Canal rings are circular routes that use several canals to complete a circuit so you do not have to backtrack to return to your starting point.