EPISODE · May 1, 2026 · 12 MIN
Middlewood Way
from The Water Road · host Adam Porter
Canals and railways often exist close to each other, and it was the railways which often killed the trade on canals because they could move goods so much more quickly. But the Macclesfield Canal has actually outlived its rival: the Macclesfield, Bollington, and Marple Railway closed in 1970 and was converted into a popular cycle and footpath. In this episode of The Water Road we explore Middlewood Way and its links with the Macclesfield Canal, both in the past and today. We hear from Ed Pilkington, one of the Cheshire East Rangers who looks after the path; and we talk to some volunteers from the Rossendale Trust who help maintain it.For Cheshire East's leaflet about Middlewood Way, click here.The Water Road is produced and presented by Adam Porter.Thank you to those who've bought me a cuppa! If you enjoy what I do, please consider supporting me by clicking here.
What this episode covers
Canals and railways often exist close to each other, and it was the railways which often killed the trade on canals because they could move goods so much more quickly. But the Macclesfield Canal has actually outlived its rival: the Macclesfield, Bollington, and Marple Railway closed in 1970 and was converted into a popular cycle and footpath. In this episode of The Water Road we explore Middlewood Way and its links with the Macclesfield Canal, both in the past and today. We hear from Ed Pilkington, one of the Cheshire East Rangers who looks after the path; and we talk to some volunteers from the Rossendale Trust who help maintain it.For Cheshire East's leaflet about Middlewood Way, click here.The Water Road is produced and presented by Adam Porter.Thank you to those who've bought me a cuppa! If you enjoy what I do, please consider supporting me by clicking here.
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Middlewood Way
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