Whaley Bridge to Bugsworth Basin: A Canal Walk in the Peak District

Whaley Bridge is a sleepy village in Derbyshire, nestled in the heart of the Peak District. There is plenty of parking at Whaley Bridge Wharf, with the train station conveniently located just opposite.

Before setting off on our walk, we stopped for coffee and cake at a lovely little independent café called The Bridge Bakehouse. The array of cakes and savoury pastries was not only mouthwatering, but the sheer amount of choice was mind-blowing! It was certainly a lovely way to fuel up before our walk.

Refreshed and ready to go, we set off along the canal towpath from Whaley Bridge Wharf to Bugsworth Basin and back. The walk covers nearly five and a half miles along a mostly flat route, although the path was quite potholed in places, so watch your step!

There is plenty of wildlife to spot along the way, including a very large heron. Benches and convenient spots to sit along walls make it easy to take a break, enjoy the surroundings and watch the world go by.

A Little History of the Peak Forest Canal

The canal we followed is the Peak Forest Canal, which was built to transport limestone from Bugsworth Basin to Manchester, around 15 miles away. Construction began in 1794 and was completed in 1800.

In later years, the canal was also used to transport goods to Whaley Bridge railway station, where they could continue their journey by rail at a much faster speed than by canal.

Over time, trade declined, and Bugsworth Basin finally closed in 1926. The canal and basin subsequently fell into disrepair until the Peak Forest Canal Society was formed in 1964 to help restore them.

After many years of restoration work, Bugsworth Basin was fully reopened at Easter 2005. The reopening of the upper section of the canal towards Marple also completed the restoration of the Cheshire Ring of canals.

Would We Recommend This Walk?

If you enjoy peaceful canal walks, wildlife spotting and a little local history, this is a lovely route to explore. The mostly flat path makes for a leisurely outing, and a stop at The Bridge Bakehouse for coffee and cake is the perfect way to start or finish your visit.

Just be prepared for some uneven, potholed sections of the towpath, and take your time along the way. Sometimes, the best days out are the simple ones: a good walk, a few wildlife sightings and, of course, a slice of cake!

The Bridge Bakery, Whaley Castle, Derbyshire.