Canal Society unveil new canal towpath map

The second of three new maps along the canal towpath has been unveiled by Macclesfield MP and co-Vice President of the Macclesfield Canal Society, David Rutley.

David was joined for the unveiling by Steve O’Sullivan, representing The Canal & River Trust, and Ian Edgar, President of Macclesfield Canal Society. The unveiling was also attended by Piers Lambert, Claire Sykes, Ian Bailey, Caroline and Rita; all of whom are members of the Macclesfield (Canal) Adoption Group (MAG). Duncan Learmond, Secretary of the Macclesfield Canal Society and the volunteer lead for MAG, was also in attendance.

The idea for the maps came initially from the donation from Tom Lees, via his brother Willie Lees, but Macclesfield Canal Society decided to expand this concept to three new signs and maps in the Macclesfield area. The first map and sign was installed at Bridge 37 near Buxton Road, and the third map and sign has been installed on the Gurnett Aqueduct.

The maps follow the template used on the signs on the towpath in Bollington (also developed by Stein IAS in Bollington) and are specifically for canal and towpath users visiting Macclesfield. The canal is some distance from Macclesfield town centre, which is confusing to some boaters and other visitors as most canals pass through the town centres or major industrial areas. The maps show bus routes, restaurants, pubs and of course marinas to help and inform towpath visitors to Macclesfield.

The Macclesfield Canal Society was formed in the early 1980’s. It holds monthly meetings at the Silk Trader pub (second Thursday of the month at 7:45pm) and exists to safeguard our local canal heritage and develop the amenity value to the public of this beautiful waterway.

The Canal & River Trust is a charity entrusted to care for 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales. It provides an unfenced, ‘no turnstiles’ opportunity to interact with history and nature next to soothing water.  Many people don’t realise that our waterways are only here thanks to the efforts of thousands of volunteers and the generous donations previously given to The Canal & River Trust.

Following the unveiling David said: “I am keen to help more visitors benefit from Macclesfield’s local shops and services, and appreciate our proud heritage. I would like to thank all those who worked hard to bring about the installation of this map and sign, and the other two installed elsewhere along the canal. Information boards, like these, are vital in signposting all that Macclesfield has to offer.”