WALKING THE CHESHIRE RING - 97 MILES

ABOUT THE WALK AND MY STORY -

The Cheshire Ring is one of the greatest canal circuits in Britain, linking together the Ashton, Rochdale, Bridgewater, TRent & Mersey, Macclesfield, and Peak Forest canals together. Almost all lie within the Cheshire boundary and whilst being flat country, the scenery is varied and spectacular- from the hills to the plains and through industrial complexes. The canal provides a tranquil setting in the most urban development. The variety found on the walk is almost unique and is a remarkable cross section of modern life while following a transport route more than 200 years old,

I had long wanted to walk it not just for my canal walk series but to discover its history and view familiar places from new angles. For ease of compiling the book I walked it in stages. I did 20 - 24 miles a day and being level walking found i could do this easily and overtake the narrow boats as well! The sun shone every day and it only rained after I had completed the last section! Incredible as it may seem, apart from passing three people walking their dogs, I met no other walkers even though it was July!

Ir is hard to pinpoint the sections I liked best, but the Trent & Mersey
has several outstanding stretches, several quite remote and totally unspoilt. The Macclesfield Canal, which you walk end to end is a gem and the Peak Forest Canal has stunning locks and an impressive aqueduct. The Manchester area is a wider canal and more industrial but is nevertheless rich in history.

I look upon the walk with fond memories and hope that your walk is
equally as pleasant and that the weather is fine. A plus factor for canal walking is that there are numerous inns along the way and bridges to shelter under, Have a good walk and let me know how you got on.

2008 update - Since writing the guidebook, the canal walk in centralManchester and Casticfields have been completely restored and it is now possible to walk it all, follow the signs.

A5 Guidebook. Wire bound 84 pages. Signed by John Merrill.

Special canal lock embroidered cloth badge and signed certificate fro successful walkers, from John Merrill.

All walkers added to Walkers Roll of Honour page.