A waterside hike along six historic canals — Cheshire Ring

The Cheshire Ring is a long-distance walk along the towpaths of six historic canals which explores the diverse and spellbinding scenery of Cheshire.

Winding through peaceful countryside, wildlife-rich nature reserves, stately country estates, quiet villages, bustling towns, and even the vast urban landscape of Manchester, this waterside hike is packed with interest and is a wonderful introduction to the Cheshire Plain.

Starting and finishing from Marple Locks, the 109 mile (175 km) circuit takes you along the Macclesfield Canal, the Trent and Mersey Canal, the Bridgewater Canal, the Rochdale Canal, the Ashton Canal, and the Peak Forest Canal.

As the route follows canal towpaths for the most part, the walking is level and leisurely throughout and follows well-maintained trails. As such, it is suitable for all abilities. Whilst there are a few detours included which do involve a little climbing, there is nothing too demanding.

Highlights along the route include: Marple Locks, a flight of 16 locks that was completed in 1804 and is one of the steepest in Britain; Macclesfield, a vibrant town that was once famous for silk; Gawsworth Hall, a timber-framed 14th-century house with Shakespearean connections; Dane-in-Shaw Pasture, a beautiful nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); Little Moreton Hall, a stunning Tudor house; the Anderton Boat Lift, a tremendous feat of engineering that was built in 1875; Walton Hall and Dunham Massey country house estates; and the bright lights of Manchester.

As the terrain is easygoing, I have split the route into an ambitious seven stages: 13.8 miles (22.2 km), 14 miles (22.5 km), 16.7 miles (26.9 km), 17.4 miles (28 km), 17.1 miles (27.5 km), 13.8 miles (22.2 km), and 16.5 miles (26.6 km), respectively.

On all of the stages that exceed 15 miles (24 km), I have given some advice on how to split the stage. Of course, you can divide the Collection into as many days as you are comfortable with or walk any single stage. As it is a loop, you can start anywhere you like and walk in either direction.

You are well-served by accommodation on this route and there are plenty of places for food and drink. Public transport links are excellent, too. Getting to the start/finish of this route is really easy as Marple has a train station.