Stone – Kidsgrove – Marple – Preston Brook – Stone

Destinations / England / Stone / Stone – Kidsgrove – Marple – Preston Brook – Stone

• Cruise length: 161 km
• Trip duration: 7 days
• Type of cruise: circle trip
• Number of locks: 92

This cruise will begin in the town of Stone and will form a circuit. From Stone you will sail north to Kidsgrove, which is known as a former mining town. Continue on to Macclesfield, a town in Cheshire. This was a silk manufacturing town. The Macclesfield Canal passes through Macclesfield, then continue north to the town of Marple, which is just 20 miles from the metropolitan area of Manchester. Historic sightseers and fans of modern architecture alike will enjoy Manchester. From Manchester, a waterway called the Bridgewater Canal leads to Preston Brook, where it splits into two branches. In the village of Preston Brook itself you will find a narrow tunnel which will be great fun to navigate. The next point on your sightseeing tour is the town of Middlewich, famous for its salt and Cheshire cheese production. In June, the Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival takes place here, celebrating the town's industrial past and commemorating the importance of river boats for transporting raw materials. Up to 30,000 people attend this festival each year, which features many folk groups.