
Marple Locks
Explore historic canal locks and a magnificent aqueduct on the Peak Forest Canal, offering scenic walks and stunning countryside views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming nature, fewer crowds

Marple Locks
Best Time
Blooming nature, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic canal locks and a magnificent aqueduct on the Peak Forest Canal, offering scenic walks and stunning countryside views.
"A lovely canalside walk with locks and aqueduct, offering plenty of variety in scenery."

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The towpath can be steep and sometimes muddy. Wear sturdy shoes for a pleasant walk!
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
Capture the beauty of the locks, aqueduct, and surrounding fields. Bring your camera!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Marple Aqueduct
Peak Forest Canal
An impressive feat of engineering offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The 16 Locks
Peak Forest Canal
Witness the fascinating operation of these historic canal locks, a picturesque and engaging sight.

Canalside Towpath Walk
Peak Forest Canal
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained towpath, with varied scenery and charming waterside views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Locks
Best Footwear for the Towpath
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The towpath can be steep and sometimes muddy. Wear sturdy shoes for a pleasant walk!
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
Capture the beauty of the locks, aqueduct, and surrounding fields. Bring your camera!
🚶♀️ Explore the Middlewood Way
For a flatter, easier walk, connect to the Middlewood Way from the canal towpath.
🛍️ Visit the Saturday Market
If you're there on a Saturday, check out the craft and gift market in Marple town.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The towpath can be steep and sometimes muddy. Wear sturdy shoes for a pleasant walk!
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
Capture the beauty of the locks, aqueduct, and surrounding fields. Bring your camera!
🚶♀️ Explore the Middlewood Way
For a flatter, easier walk, connect to the Middlewood Way from the canal towpath.
🛍️ Visit the Saturday Market
If you're there on a Saturday, check out the craft and gift market in Marple town.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Marple Locks for its scenic beauty, impressive engineering, and pleasant walking opportunities. The combination of the historic aqueduct and the active canal locks provides a unique and engaging experience. While some note the steepness of the lock sections, most find the well-maintained towpath and surrounding countryside highly enjoyable.
"The weather was v good ,plenty of photo opertunitys,all round,fields to play football extra shops ,pubs,bus services, train station"
Erick Fricker
"Lovely canalside walk with locks and aqueduct. Plenty of variety in the scenery and a well maintained towpath."
George Symes
"Attractive location on Peak Forest Canal. Nice walking down the tow path. Marple is a pleasant town with good selection of shops and and parks. The Saturday craft and gift market is worth a visit."
Ian Drummond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Marple Locks is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It's also served by a train station and bus services, making it convenient for public transport users. The Peak Forest Canal towpath offers a pleasant walking route to the locks.
Yes, there are parking facilities available in Marple town, which is a short walk from the locks. Some smaller parking areas might be closer, but can fill up quickly.
Cycling is possible along the canal towpath, though it can be narrow and shared with pedestrians. The Middlewood Way, a disused railway line, offers a dedicated cycling path nearby.
Marple train station is the closest and provides good access to the area. From the station, it's a short walk to the canal and locks.
Several bus routes serve Marple town, with stops within walking distance of the locks and canal. Check local bus timetables for specific routes and times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Marple Locks and the surrounding canal towpath are free to access and explore. There are no admission fees.
Marple Locks are part of the Peak Forest Canal and are open 24/7. The surrounding areas and any nearby facilities like shops or pubs will have their own operating hours.
The Marple Aqueduct is a public structure and can be viewed and accessed freely. There is no charge to visit or admire its architecture.
While there aren't typically official guided tours, local history groups or canal enthusiasts may occasionally organize events. It's best to check local community boards or websites for any such opportunities.
General public access is permitted. However, always be mindful of safety around the water and locks, and respect any posted signage.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks along the canal towpath, observe the operation of the historic locks, and admire the impressive Marple Aqueduct. There are also fields for recreation and nearby pubs and shops.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. The towpath offers a relatively flat walk, and the locks can be fascinating for kids. However, supervision is crucial near the water.
Expect a mix of industrial heritage with the locks and aqueduct, alongside picturesque countryside views, fields, and the tranquil canal.
While there are no direct facilities at the locks themselves, Marple town is nearby and offers a good selection of shops, pubs, and cafes.
The canal towpath is generally well-maintained, but can be uneven in places and may become muddy. Some sections are more accessible than others. The aqueduct area is generally accessible.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Marple town, a short walk from the locks, boasts a good selection of pubs and cafes offering various dining options.
There are no restaurants directly on the locks, but you can find pubs and eateries in the nearby town of Marple.
Yes, there are open fields and scenic spots along the canal where you can enjoy a picnic.
Marple offers a range of choices, from traditional pub fare to cafes and other eateries, catering to different tastes.
While not directly overlooking the locks, some pubs in Marple are located close to the canal and offer a pleasant atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The Marple Aqueduct offers dramatic angles, and the series of locks provides excellent opportunities for capturing the movement of water and boats. The surrounding countryside adds to the scenic shots.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh.
Focus on the impressive engineering of the aqueduct and locks, the boats navigating the canal, and the natural beauty of the waterside environment.
A standard zoom lens is versatile. If you enjoy landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the aqueduct. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and aviation authority guidelines before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
While the towpath is generally good, be mindful of the steep sections around the locks and always keep a close eye on children near the water. Connecting to the Middlewood Way offers a flatter, more accessible walking option for strollers or younger children who might tire easily.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the waterside flora and fauna. The area offers a peaceful escape, with opportunities to spot various bird species and enjoy the tranquility of the canal. The combination of industrial heritage and natural beauty makes for a unique walking experience.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different times of day to capture the best light. Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer, more atmospheric lighting. The contrast between the historic stonework of the aqueduct and the vibrant colors of the seasons can create stunning images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvels: Locks and Aqueduct
Dominating the landscape is the Marple Aqueduct, a magnificent structure that carries the Peak Forest Canal over the River Goyt and the valley. Built in the late 1790s, it's a Grade I listed building and a striking example of Georgian civil engineering. The sheer scale and elegance of the aqueduct are breathtaking, offering fantastic photo opportunities and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Visitors often rave about the visual impact of both the locks and the aqueduct, highlighting them as must-see features. The contrast between the industrial heritage of the canal system and the natural beauty of the valley is a recurring theme in visitor feedback.
Exploring the Towpath and Beyond
For those seeking more extensive walking opportunities, the Middlewood Way is a fantastic option. This 10-mile walking and cycling route follows a disused railway line and connects to the canal towpath near Marple. It offers a flatter, more accessible path through varied landscapes, making it ideal for families or those who prefer a less strenuous walk.
Travelers frequently recommend combining a visit to the locks with a walk along the towpath or the Middlewood Way, emphasizing the variety of scenery and the chance to explore the local area. The accessibility of these paths makes Marple Locks a versatile destination for different fitness levels.
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