← Back to BollingtonHistory & heritage
Macclesfield Canal
Bollington · towpath
Mill buildings and canal bridges line this stretch of the waterway.
Plan your visit
OutdoorsFree admission
45–90 minutesOur suggested time hereSuggested visit length: editorial estimate for a short towpath out-and-back or local circuit. Allow extra time for travel and meals.
- Admission
- The canal towpath provides a public walking route through Bollington.
- Access & terrain
- Access varies: the Hole i’ th’ Wall steps by the aqueduct are steep. The local guide describes a less abrupt approach via Hurst Lane; check the towpath route for your mobility needs.
- Dogs
- Check the official visitor guide for current details.
- Parking
- Town car parks include Adlington Road and Pool Bank; spaces are limited.
- Public transport
- Macclesfield is the nearest mainline station; onward buses serve Bollington.
Sources & checked details
Checked 2026-09-19. Opening, admission and access arrangements can change; check the official guide before travelling.
Bollington Town Council — travel and canal ↗Bollington Discovery Centre — local walk guides ↗WHILE YOU’RE HERE
Around Bollington
Use the canal and former railway for a walking circuit, with heritage and refreshments at Clarence Mill.
Journey labels start from the town centre. If you are at an outlying landmark, plan the journey from there separately.
A little wander
Middlewood Way from Adlington Road
Walk from the town centreJoin the former railway near the recreation ground. A short out-and-back avoids committing to the whole route; use the access map for gates and steps.
Another discovery
Bollington Discovery Centre
Walk from the town centreClimb Clarence Road to the canal-side entrance at Clarence Mill. Check the volunteer opening days; the upper gallery has stairs.
Time for a pause
Café Waterside at Clarence Mill
Walk from the town centreA canal-side breakfast or lunch pause at Clarence Mill, listed by the Town Council beside the Discovery Centre area.
Sources & checked details
Checked 2026-09-19. These are suggestions, not turn-by-turn routes. Check opening days, access and any admission requirements before setting out.
Cheshire East — Middlewood Way ↗Bollington Discovery Centre — official information ↗Bollington Town Council — places to eat ↗A little closer
Look around
- Canalside mills
- Narrowboats
- Towpath and bridges
Drag to turn the miniature, or zoom in to explore its details. An artistic impression of the place and its setting.
