The scenic Greater Manchester canal walk ending with a cosy pub perfect for a winter's day

You can’t beat a long walk in the fresh air on a cold winter’s day, especially one that ends with a cosy pub where you can warm up afterwards. On cool, crisp days Greater Manchester’s canals look particularly magical, especially when the water is frozen over after a heavy frost.

The route from Marple in Stockport to the Bugsworth Basin, at Buxworth, is one of the most scenic stretches of canal you’ll find in the region. Along the way walkers can admire the spectacular Marple Locks, look out for pretty bridges and soak up the glorious countryside views.

Previously the Peak Forest Canal played a vital role in Greater Manchester’s industrial past, where it served as a transport route for limestone quarried in Derbyshire. Following its decline after the railways took over, it now welcomes narrowboats, walkers and cyclists.

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At around seven miles long, the towpath walk is lengthy but straightforward to follow, taking roughly three hours to complete. The route takes you from the edge of Greater Manchester all the way to the borders of the Peak District, arriving at the picturesque Bugsworth Basin.

The basin is overlooked by the Navigation Inn, a traditional, cosy pub where you can relax with a refreshing pint and a hearty meal after your walk. If you head there on a Sunday you can try out their tasty carvery lunch, too.

The route begins in the quaint village of Marple, served by its own train station from Manchester, where you can pick up the Peak Forest Canal. Here you can see the impressive Marple Locks, a flight of 16 locks across a stretch of one mile.

If you went north from here it would take you to the Marple Aqueduct - a sight