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The charity making life better by water

Narrowboat moored on the towpath at a junction in front of a tunnel and bridge under a blue sky

Bugsworth Basin

Bugsworth Canal Basin on the Peak Forest Canal, and not far from the town of Whaley Bridge, was once the largest and busiest inland port on the narrow canal system and the only one to survive intact. Today, it's popular with boaters and a great place to start a country walk.

The Bugsworth Basin Heritage Trust (previously the Inland Waterways Protection Society) run a small but interesting visitor centre and museum, along with some local events.

Something a bit more energetic? The Peak Forest Tramway Trail has been re-opened from Bugsworth Basin for 2.6kms to Charley Lane near Bridgeholm Green. The trail follows the route of the old tramway linking Bugsworth Basin to Dove Holes Quarries.

Things to do and see

Places to eat:

Boat trips:

Picnic spot:

There's a few benches at the basin and in Whaley Bridge

Trails:

Wildlife spotting:

This is a great spot to bring some healthy duck snacks and get to know the local swans, ducks, coots and moorhens

Getting here

By car - free parking at the basin

By boat - the nearest facilities, including water point, elsan and toilets, are available within Bugsworth Basin and are for all boaters to use, however there is some limited permanent moorings

Local Events

Planning your visit

  • Address

    Bugsworth Basin, Brookside, Buxworth, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK23 7NE

  • Opening times
  • Prices

    Apart from parking, it's free

  • Toilets

    Toilets at visitors centre in the basin

photo of a location on the canals
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