PS Don’t forget that in under two weeks, on 29 July, it’s our next National Boaters’ Forum – book your place now!
Macclesfield Canal reopens to boats following £350K repair to embankment
We've completed a major £350k project to repair and reopen the Macclesfield Canal, near Bosley Locks, following a breach in March.
The team first had to secure agreements with several third-party landowners to access the remote rural location between Bridge 51, Cowley Bridge and Bosley Lock 12. A 400m-long metal track and ramps were then laid to allow vehicles and machinery to safely gain access and excavate the damaged towpath, embankment and canal bed.
They then rebuilt the canal by lining the bed with around 150 tonnes of puddling clay. The damaged wall of the culvert, which channels a stream under the canal, was also repaired, and metal trench sheeting was installed along a 12m section of the canal wall to strengthen it. Around 40m of new fencing and hedging have also been put in along the towpath.
Over the last 90 days our charity’s engineers have also carried out repairs to the canal bed and wash wall between Bridge 26 and Bridge 27 in Bollington, and a small sink hole at Lock 3 on the Bosley Lock Flight.
All the works are now complete, and the canal back open. However, after one of the driest springs on record, three heatwaves and a declaration of drought in some parts (combined with ongoing works at Toddbrook Reservoir), restrictions on opening hours for boats navigating the Bosley Lock Flight are in place to help preserve water resources.
Macclesfield Canal culvert and trench wall repairs
Overcoming challenges
Simon Harding, our project manager, said: “The team has been working hard since March to repair the canal and get it back open as quickly as possible.
“We’ve had to overcome some challenges, but we’re pleased to have restored the structural integrity of the canal, ensured its long-term stability and protected the embankment from future erosion. Thankfully, all that hard work has paid off, the repairs have been completed, and navigation has now resumed.
“I’d like to thank boaters for their patience and support whilst these works have been carried out.”
Opened in 1831 the Macclesfield Canal runs 26 miles from Marple in Cheshire to Hall Green, near the northern end of the Harecastle Tunnel, with 12 locks concentrated in a single flight at Bosley. It was one of the last narrow-gauge canals (7ft wide) to be built.
Water resources for navigation
It doesn’t matter where you are in the country, the lack of rainfall is starkly apparent. Earlier this week it was reported that reservoirs across England (not just ours) are at their lowest levels for a decade.
Drought conditions have already been declared in the North West and Yorkshire, with more regions in the Midlands added earlier this week, and an increasing number of water companies are instituting hosepipe bans.
Where does this leave water resources for boating? Well, it’s a challenge. In some places there are navigation closures where boating is just not possible, others where restrictions are in place to preserve water for navigation for as long possible and, it should be said, a lucky few places have yet to see any restrictions.
In summary, it’s a complicated picture. So, in the first of a series of ‘explainers’, national hydrology manager, Dr Adam Comerford, starts with the short-term prospects for boating and how it compares to other ‘drought’ years.
In following editions Adam will discuss where canals get their water from and how new environmental legislative constraints that we’re operating under are having an effect. He’ll also be busting some urban myths!
Please note that, as you’d imagine, things can change quite quickly so do please always check notices if you are planning a cruise.
Summer water safety
When temperatures soar as high as they have been, spending time by the water seems particularly attractive. And for many people going into the water unsupervised can seem like a great idea. It isn’t.
Last weekend, as the heatwave peaked, we had the typical report of a lock being filled for teenagers to swim in. This is discouraged in the strongest possible terms because it is dangerous. Tragically, at the same time in other parts of the UK, deaths from accidental drowning were reported.
Mel Goodship’s 17-year-old son James drowned in June 2014 while swimming with friends in Foulridge Reservoir in Lancashire. Hear her talk about James and the events of a tragic day.
Please talk to those in your family who might be tempted to go for a dip. Some of the most rewarding and enjoyable times can be spent on or by the water, just don’t go in unless it’s part of an organised activity.
Understand more about the risks of entering the water through our pages on water safety.
Future of Mon & Brec debated in Senedd
Last week there was a debate in the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd, about protecting the future of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal after the canal’s historic source of water from the River Usk was severely limited, putting the future of the canal at risk.
Members from across the Senedd heard how the canal supports almost £30 million in annual economic activity through boating and tourism and how it urgently needs a sustainable solution to secure its water supply.
Alongside its heritage and economic value, Senedd members spoke about the canal’s vital environmental role. They noted the value of the canal’s ecology alongside that of the River Usk, forming two interconnected ecosystems that both deserve protection. They also heard how the navigable canal provides unique environmental benefits, including acting as a wildlife corridor and supporting diverse habitats that would be lost if it were allowed to run dry.
Walking at Llanellen on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal
Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said: “I welcome the comments from all who took part in the debate and the response from Huw Irranca-Davies MS, stating that the Welsh Government is fully committed to enabling a workable solution. The debate shows how much the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal matters to boaters and people across Wales and the role of the canal as a core part of the nation’s heritage, economy, and natural environment.”
Richard continued: “Thank you to Preserve & Protect the Mon & Brec, and all others who have advocated for the canal over the past months. We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support it has generated. It emphasises the special place this historic navigable waterway has in so many people’s hearts.”
Maintenance, repair and restoration work this weekend
As you’ll know, there are times when parts of such an old network need unscheduled work to keep them open and navigable. It’s a 200+ year old living, breathing national treasure that takes a lot of TLC.
This is why, when something is damaged or breaks, we set about getting it repaired and operational as soon as we can. This means that from time to time we must carry out repairs outside of our major winter stoppage programme.
When this does happen, we get them up on to our website as soon as we can – it’s always best to have a scan while you’re planning your cruise and also just before you set off. You can find out how to get stoppage notification alerts on your smartphone in this article.
Below, you’ll find a list of navigations that have ongoing restrictions that may affect you if you’re planning to get out on the water this weekend:
If you have any questions about a specific closure, or spot an error in our system, please get in touch.
Winter stoppage consultation
As you may know, we plan out and prioritise the winter repairs programme so that every penny of spend counts. The first round of consultation for the forthcoming winter stoppage programme closed at the end of May.
We’ve now reviewed the feedback and published a revised plan so that, should you want to, you can give more feedback – the deadline is 25 July.
Take part in a rubbish activity
I’ve done it many times and have seen boaters doing it many more – litter picking. You might be interested to know that it’s this subject we are undertaking new research on to identify the nature and scale of the problem of litter on our network, so that we can work on solutions to improve it.
As part of this we are interested in litter picking that is taking place on our waterways and your thoughts on litter on the waterways. If you take part in litter picking on the waterways – whether in a formalised way through a Towpath Tidy Taskforce or not - then please fill in our short survey and your knowledge will help inform our research.
Thank you!
We name this boat Richard Parry
Ahead of his final week as chief executive, volunteers and colleagues at our base on the Grand Union’s Hatton lock flight surprised Richard Parry by naming a new workboat in his honour.
Called ‘Richard Parry’ the 30ft work boat and hopper will be used for operational maintenance, such as brickwork repairs, litter picking and offside vegetation clearance in the West Midlands. Its nameplate includes reference to Richard’s service as chief executive between 2013 and 2025.
Back in January Richard announced his decision to stand down after serving 12 years in the post having joined us a year after our creation. A recruitment process for our next chief executive got underway and his successor, Campbell Robb, joins us in early October.
A huge honour
Speaking about the unveiling of the new workboat Richard Parry said: “I have had so many wonderful comments and conversations with colleagues, volunteers and boaters since announcing my decision to step down; conversations that I will cherish. But I was taken aback when I realised that the team was giving me the huge honour of naming a boat after me.
Richard Parry workboat
“The work of the Trust continues to increase as we fight the unrelenting passage of time on our amazing but ageing canal network. I am very pleased that my name will be part of that effort as the team carries out important work to help keep the West Midlands’ canal network open and navigable for boaters and all to enjoy.”
Unparalleled contributions
David Orr, chair of Canal & River Trust, comments: “Richard has made an unparalleled contribution, establishing the Trust as a much-admired national charity. He has made a great many friends across the waterways community and it is very fitting that the team took the decision to name the workboat in his honour. We thank Richard for his 12 years of service and wish him the very best in the years ahead.”
Become a TV star
The huge popularity of boaters and boats on TV (think Narrow Escapes) continues as multi award-winning production company Windfall Films are producing the fifth series of another popular show, My Floating Home, for Channel 4.
It is looking for anyone renovating a home on water – whether you’re an owner, builder, designer or doing it all yourself. It is looking for projects that are due to complete by the end of this year.
If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please get in touch with some more information and photos to [email protected].
Last Edited: 17 July 2025
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