Macclesfield & Peak Forest Canals

Due to recent inflows into the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals, we will be removing the stop planks from Bridge 44 on the Macclesfield canal and Bridge 28 on the Peak Forest canal to allow the canal levels to rise. Our teams will have completed plank removal by 4pm Friday 19 September.

Please note whilst the canal levels are still low, it may be difficult to moor close to the towpaths. Please take extra care when navigating, keeping to the centre of the canal where possible and ensure your mooring lines are kept slack to accommodate fluctuations in water levels.

Until the summit levels improve, we are unable to provide a feed to the lower Macclesfield Canal, it will continue to receive its supply from the Trent & Mersey Canal.

As the situation improves and water levels return to normal, we hope that by the end of October we will be able to provide a window of passage through the Bosley and Marple Lock Flights. This will remain subject to sufficient rainfall.

If you notice any leaks, damage, or other issues while using the canal, please let us know as soon as possible. Reports can be made by calling 0303 040 4040 or by emailing us through our Contact Us page.

Due to difficulties installing the stop planks at Bridge 45 on the Macclesfield canal, we have now managed to install specially designed stop planks at Bridge 44, Leek Old Road Bridge on the Macclesfield Canal.

To allow our customers who have moved away from the area to get back to the designated area, we will be temporarily removing the stop planks at Bridge 44 on Thursday 11 September at 10am and reinstalling them at 12pm the same day.

The section between Bridge 44 on the Macclesfield canal and Bridge 28 (New Mills area) on the Peak Forest canal will now start to decrease and whilst there may be some depth in the centre of the channel, we would advise not to cruise along this section. Please continue to regularly check and slacken your mooring lines. Due to the basin-like shape of the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals, boats may need to be positioned slightly away from the canal side to remain level.

For everyone's safety, please avoid navigating near the stop planks and turn with sufficient distance.

The lower section of the Macclesfield canal is being fed by the Trent & Mersey canal, and whilst the water levels have stabilised, they will continue to fluctuate. The stop lock will remain open to allow this section to remain in water. 

Thank you for your ongoing patience, understanding, and support during these challenging times. We are doing everything we can to protect the canals and support our boating community through this period. Our priority remains to reopen these canals to full navigation as soon as possible.

We are grateful for your continued support in reducing water use across our network and for reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page.

With the warm, dry weather continuing, the water levels within the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals continue to decline. It is now essential that we install stop planks on Tuesday 26 August at 9am at the locations listed below to protect the long-term sustainability of the network and continue supporting boaters in these areas.

The following areas have been highlighted as places where we have higher confidence in the ability to maintain water levels:

• Macclesfield Canal: Between Bridge 45 and Bosley Top Lock
• Peak Forest Canal: Between Bridge 28 (New Mills area) and Bridge 38 (Whaley Bridge)

In addition to higher confidence and likelihood of maintaining water levels following protection with stop planks, these areas benefit from the provision of vital services such as water supply and waste removal.

Water levels outside these areas will be prone to severe fluctuations. All customers moored outside of these areas should regularly check and slacken their mooring lines. Due to the basin-like shape of the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals, boats may need to be positioned slightly away from the canal side to remain level.

The water levels on the lower stretch of the Macclesfield Canal, below the Bosley Lock Flight, have now equalised with the Trent & Mersey Canal. However, customers in this area may still experience fluctuations.

If you have an existing Equality Adjustment in place which does not allow you to follow the advice provided in this stoppage notice, please contact the Trust for further guidance.

Thank you for your ongoing patience, understanding, and support during these challenging times. We are doing everything we can to protect the canals and support our boating community through this period. Our priority remains to reopen these canals to full navigation as soon as possible.

We are grateful for your continued support in reducing water use across our network and for reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page.

As you will be aware, we've been experiencing an extended period of dry weather across the region. The reservoirs that supply the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals are now at extremely low levels.

Our team is working to manage the situation as responsibly and carefully as possible. With little prospect of substantial rain in the short to medium forecast, we're now putting contingency plans into action to prioritise boater safety and ensure access to essential facilities as we continue to make the most efficient use of the water we have remaining.

We may soon have to introduce temporary navigation closures on some stretches of the canal and install stop planks to conserve water in key areas where boats can remain safely moored. We understand how frustrating navigation restrictions are and want to reassure you that this is not a decision that's taken lightly. However, it's a necessary step to protect the long-term sustainability of the network and continue supporting boaters in these areas.

To help you prepare, we strongly encourage all boaters to start making plans now. This includes:

• Emptying waste tanks
• Filling up water and fuel tanks
• Stocking up on essential supplies
• Considering relocating your boat to areas with services, such as Bosley or Whaley Bridge, where we are aiming to retain water levels, or returning your boat to your marinas.

For customers moored or navigating on the Macclesfield Canal between Bosley Locks and the junction with the Trent & Mersey Canal

Due to reduced water feeds to this section, water levels along this section will now start to get lower and eventually stabilise to match the level of the Trent & Mersey Canal. as it may become lower it will be unsafe to navigate this section.

Over the next week, we strongly encourage all boaters in this area to follow these instructions.

• Emptying waste tanks
• Filling up water and fuel tanks
• Stocking up on essential supplies
• Mooring customers to regularly check and slacken their mooring lines.
• For those visiting or cruising in the area, we recommend making your way to alternative navigations or moving closer to essential facilities.

We want to give everyone as much time as possible to make informed decisions and adjust plans before any navigation closures take place and will keep you updated with the latest news, guidance, and information through our notices and other channels over the coming weeks. Please keep an eye out for further announcements.

If you have an existing Equality Adjustment in place which does not allow you to follow the advice provided in this stoppage notice, please contact the Trust.

Thank you for your ongoing patience, understanding, and support during these challenging times as we continue to do everything, we can to protect the canals and support our boating community through this period.