Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals

Please be advised, due to the combined effect of ongoing works at Toddbrook Reservoir and continued low rainfall the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals Operating Times for the Bosley and Marple Lock Flights will start Friday 7 May. These are as follows:

Bosley Lock Flight – Daily

• Open from 8:30am to allow passage through the flight. Last entry to the flight will be at 1pm, and all boats must be off the flight by 4pm.

Marple Lock Flight – Daily

• Open from 8:30am to allow passage through the flight. Last entry to the flight will be at 12 noon, and all boats must be off the flight by 4pm.

By implementing these Operating Times, we hope it will allow our customers to plan their journey knowing what to expect over the summer months as our teams continue to work hard to conserve water at every opportunity.

You can help us conserve water by:

• Ensuring paddles are fully closed once they have passed through a lock.
• Aiming for minimal contact when navigating through locks by ensuring gates are fully open as they pass through. Pushing gates open using a boat can damage the gate lining, increasing its leakage.

Our teams will continue to monitor our reservoir holdings throughout the season. Please note, these initial operating times will remain under review and could be subject to change.

MACCLESFIELD & PEAK FOREST CANALS – OPERATING TIMES 2021

Due to the ongoing works at Toddbrook Reservoir there has been a reduction in the availability of water resources that supply the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals.

After recent heavy rainfall, our reservoir holdings for the remaining operational reservoirs that supply both canals are good, however, once navigation re-opens following the government lockdown, demand for water will be high, therefore, to manage a sustainable water resource to last throughout the summer months, it has been decided Operating Times will be implemented to the Bosley and Marple Lock Flights.

Following feedback from boaters, businesses, and other waterway users it has been agreed the initial Operating Times will be implemented:

Bosley Lock Flight – Daily

• Open from 8:30am to allow passage through the flight. Last boat to entry to the flight will be at 1pm, and all boats must be off the flight by 4pm.

Marple Lock Flight – Daily

• Open from 8:30am to allow passage through the flight. Last boat to entry to the flight will be at 12 noon, and all boats must be off the flight by 4pm.

We will endeavour to give our customers at least two weeks’ notice prior to the introduction of these times.

By implementing these Operating Times, we hope it will allow our customers to plan their journey knowing what to expect over the summer months as our teams continue to work hard to conserve water at every opportunity.

You can help us conserve water by:

• Ensuring paddles are fully closed once they have passed through a lock.
• Aiming for minimal contact when navigating through locks by ensuring gates are fully open as they pass through. Pushing gates open using a boat can damage the gate lining, increasing its leakage.

Our teams will continue to monitor our reservoir holdings throughout the season. Please note, these initial operating times will remain under review and could be subject to change.

Should the situation deteriorate, reduced Operating Times may need to be considered:

Passage will only be available on alternate days; however, the lock opening times will remain the same.

Passage will only be available on alternate days; however, the lock opening times will remain the same.