To Marple and return. This lovely, peaceful countryside route is a joy, with much added interest provided by the historic buildings and warehouses dotted along the canal, many of which have now been converted.

Wind your way along the Macclesfield Canal through old stone bridges and past green forested areas, open fields and immense mill buildings such as Goyt Mill at Marple and Clarence Mill at Bollington and the Hovis Mill at Macclesfield. The canal is well kept with plenty of character ­ a real pleasure. There are even a few locks and a couple of aqueducts thrown in! There are plenty of places to turn if you wish to do a shorter break with fewer hours.