The Cheshire Canal system, or ‘Cheshire Ring’ as it is known, can claim to be the oldest cruising ring on Britain’s waterways. The route is 97 miles long and has a total of 92 locks.

It was previously known as the Peak Forest Circular Route and takes in the Macclesfield Canal, as well as parts of the Peak Forest, Ashton, Rochdale, Bridgewater and Trent & Mersey Canals.

It passes through gentle Cheshire countryside, rearing gritstone escarpments, the heart of metropolitan Manchester, climbs past the Pennines to some of the highest water in the country and drops down close to the tidal Mersey. It also passes the historic Anderton Boat Lift near Northwich, otherwise known as the ‘Cathedral of the Canals.’

The Cheshire Ring is also a popular walking route, with a towpath along the entire length.