Bugsworth Basin – Whaley Bridge Canal Basin loop from Whaley Bridge

Hiking trails & Routes

Bugsworth Basin – Whaley Bridge Canal Basin loop from Whaley Bridge

Easy

4.0

(2)

hikers

Bugsworth Basin – Whaley Bridge Canal Basin loop from Whaley Bridge

00:57

3.70km

20m

Hiking

Easy hike. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 8, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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1.77 km

Bugsworth Basin and Lower Basin, Peak Forest Canal

Highlight • Historical Site

The Peak Forest Canal runs 15 miles (25km) alongside the River Goyt and through beautiful rural landscape to the edge of the Peak District.

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1.85 km

Bugsworth Basin

Highlight • River

Bugsworth Canal Basin, the head of navigation of the Peak Forest Canal, was the largest and busiest inland port on Britain’s narrow canal system and the only one to survive intact. Famous canal and tramway engineer, Benjamin Outram, built the 14 mile long Peak Forest Canal from Dukinfield to Bugsworth, although plans to extend to Chapel Milton via Whitehough were never realised. Construction of the six mile Peak Forest Tramway in 1795 linked Bugsworth Basin to the limestone and gritstone quarries in Derbyshire, and the canal linked Bugsworth to Manchester and the trans-Pennine canal network.

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1.88 km

Bugsworth Canal Basin and Peak Forest Tramway

Highlight • River

Busy canal basin with moored boats and a lot to see. There is also a nice pub next to the basin (Navigation Inn). It's a great stopping point when cycling in the area.

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3.45 km

Whaley Bridge Canal Basin

Highlight • Structure

The town of Whaley Bridge is often referred to as 'the gateway to the Goyt Valley’. It is indeed an excellent base for adventures in this beautiful region of the Peak District National Park.

Historically, Whaley Bridge was station of great importance on the Peak Forest Canal, handling over 600 tons of limestone during its prime. Nearby Toddbrook Reservoir, originally built as a feeder for the canal, is a lovely place for a pleasant afternoon amble.

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