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.

We have a new crew member: Macc the Border Terrier puppy -- so this episode is all about pets on board. We speak to a puppy trainer, Cal Thorpe, about how to get the best out of your dog. We also hear from Pip from Narrowboat Oleanna about how Tilley the boat cat is kept safe, thanks to health and safety rules. Plus Gemma and Jack tell us about how their Border, Goblin, gets on with their tortoise, Teacake -- and how Teacake went missing for ten days, and cost them a set of boat batteries.

Follow Gemma and Jack on Instagram @our_floating_haus

Pip, Mick, and Tilley are at oleanna.co.uk

Cal Thorpe is at Off Leash Dog Training

Macc is on Instagram @macc.the.boating.border

The Water Road is produced and presented by Adam Porter.

If you enjoy what I do, consider supporting me on Ko-fi! https://ko-fi.com/thewaterroad

A former trans-shipment warehouse at Marple Junction, where the Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals meet, is currently being renovated by a community project. In this episode of The Water Road we speak to its chair, Sue Ingham, who tells us about the history of the building, the way the people of the town clubbed together to buy it, and what it will become later this year thanks in part to a big Lottery heritage grant.

The Water Road is produced and presented by Adam Porter.

If you enjoy the series please consider supporting me here: https://ko-fi.com/thewaterroad