Poynton (1)

The Macclesfield Canal was built to serve the mines, quarries and mills of eastern Cheshire, and opened in 1831. Within 15 years it was taken over by a railway company, but nevertheless remained in operation. Leisure use increased from the 1940s - much earlier than on most canals - so unlike many others, it never fell into complete disrepair.

Poynton, about halfway between Marple and Macclesfield, was once home to dozens of small coal pits, but these are long closed. The old mineral railways and inclines linking the pits with the canal are now footpaths, and the noise and bustle along the canal, seen here at Higher Poynton, have given way to a gentler and more relaxed way of life.

Picture taken: September 2014

Page last updated: 19 June 2021