For most of its length the Mac runs along (shelf-like) the sides of valleys, overlooking towns with panoramic views of the edge of the Peak District and it’s impressive and picturesque railway viaducts. In days gone by there were swing bridges every hundred yards or so - which must have been 'a total bind'.  Almost all of these swing bridges have now been removed, some replaced by overhead foot bridges. Largely rural, it is a delightful canal for almost all of it's length.

At Marple there is a canal ‘T’ junction. If we were to turn left (north) we would descend the attractive Marple Flight of locks and then on towards the suburbs of Manchester. Sadly, as it nears Manchester's outskirts, the route has a record of disruption and vandalism from local youths - a potential unpleasantness and risk we are not prepared to take whilst carrying guests. SO WE DON'T TURN LEFT - BUT WE DO TURN RIGHT.

To turn right off the Mac at Marple is charming - and that's the route we always take. Here we have joined the Upper Peak Forest Canal. With it’s hillside course overlooking wooded river valleys and dry-stane dykes and fells, the Upper Peak Forest is marvellous. With it’s views of the fells, it’s lift and swing bridges culminating in the interest of the basin at Whaley Bridge, the Upper Peak is a very worthwhile cruise - but relatively short - and rivalled, perhaps, by the Caldon & Leek.  In addition to the basin at Whaley itself, we now also have the half mile run into the Bugsworth basin area, only recently restored and made navigable.  This area is intriguing in it's own right, with its multiple little inlets and dry-stane wall structures (see photos), culminating in a basin beside the 'Navigation' pub (apparently previously owned by 'Elsie Tanner' of Coronation Street fame).