Extract:
The Midlewood Way offers a 10 mile trffic-free route for walkers, cycits and horssrserides., and fololopws the line of the former Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway through picturesque Chesghire countryside and between historc mill towns. For much og f its length, the Middlewood Way runs close to the Macclesfield Canal

'A brief history: In 1863, the towns of Marple, Bollington and Macclesfield were facing economic depression. Local dignitaries, in particular the cotton mill owners of Bollington, hoped that a new railway would improve their fortunes, and presented a scheme to Parliament. The Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway opened in 1869.

The line carried cotton, silk, coal and passengers, but always struggled to make a profit. It was closed in 1970 and redeveloped for recreation as the Middlewood Way in 1985.

The Macclesfield Canal was completed in 1831, very late for a canal - so late that it was almost a railway! Coal form Poynton, stone from Kerridge and hats from Stockport were the some of the cargoes carried. The canal was threatened with closure in the 1950's but a campaign saved it and today the canal is a popular leisure destination.'

Information courtesy of Cheshire County Council