The scenic Greater Manchester canal walk ending with a cosy pub perfect for a winter's day

You can’t beat a long walk in the fresh air on a cold winter’s day, especially one that ends with a cosy pub where you can warm up afterwards. On cool, crisp days Greater Manchester’s canals look particularly magical, especially when the water is frozen over after a heavy frost.

The route from Marple in Stockport to the Bugsworth Basin, at Buxworth, is one of the most scenic stretches of canal you’ll find in the region. Along the way walkers can admire the spectacular Marple Locks, look out for pretty bridges and soak up the glorious countryside views.

Previously the Peak Forest Canal played a vital role in Greater Manchester’s industrial past, where it served as a transport route for limestone quarried in Derbyshire. Following its decline after the railways took over, it now welcomes narrowboats, walkers and cyclists.

Try MEN Premium now with our amazing New Year offer… just click here to give it a go.

At around seven miles long, the towpath walk is lengthy but straightforward to follow, taking roughly three hours to complete. The route takes you from the edge of Greater Manchester all the way to the borders of the Peak District, arriving at the picturesque Bugsworth Basin.

A canal lock on a frosty winter’s day

The basin is overlooked by the Navigation Inn, a traditional, cosy pub where you can relax with a refreshing pint and a hearty meal after your walk. If you head there on a Sunday you can try out their tasty carvery lunch, too.

The route begins in the quaint village of Marple, served by its own train station from Manchester, where you can pick up the Peak Forest Canal. Here you can see the impressive Marple Locks, a flight of 16 locks across a stretch of one mile.

A stone bridge over a canal

If you went north from here it would take you to the Marple Aqueduct – a sight worth checking out if you haven’t already seen it – but to get to Bugsworth Basin you need to head south along the towpath. Follow the canal through Marple as it runs parallel to the River Goyt.

Keep following the canal southwards and you’ll notice the scenery gradually become more rural as you head deeper into the countryside. You’ll pass the village of Strines to your left and then Disley to your right.

Bugsworth Basin, a canal basin on a frosty winter’s day

Eventually you’ll reach New Mills, passing its marina along the way. Often overlooked by day-trippers heading directly to the Peak District from Manchester, New Mills is worthy of a day trip in its own right, with the stunning Millennium Walkway and Torrs Riverside Park.

But for this walk stick with the canal and keep going south, through Furness Vale. Eventually you’ll reach a split; the right takes you to Whaley Bridge while the left will lead you to Bugsworth Basin. Follow the path left and you’ll arrive at the basin, once a bustling interchange with the Peak Forest Tramway.

Exterior view of Navigation Inn, a cosy pub

After taking the time to enjoy the tranquillity of Bugsworth Basin, step inside the Navigation Inn for a well-deserved drink and a bite to eat. To get back to Marple you can either walk further along to Chinley and catch a direct train from there, or walk back on yourself to Furness Vale where you can pick up the same train line. Alternatively you can walk to nearby Whaley Bridge and catch a direct train to Manchester, which also stops in Stockport along the way.

For more of the latest What’s On news, click here.