Bugsworth Basin, the terminus of the Peak Forest Canal, was one of the largest inland ports on the canal system. It was originally intended to continue the canal to Chapel Milton, two miles to the east. It would have required 12 locks to take the canal to Chapel Milton, where an interchange with the Peak Forest tramway was planned. It was cheaper and easier to bring the tramway to Bugsworth. The tramway brought limestone six miles from quarries at Lodes Knowle and Dove Holes for transhipment into canal boats that would take it to Manchester and beyond.
The loaded wagons moved down the tramway by gravity, while the empty wagons were hauled back using horses. At Chapel-en-le-Frith, there was the Great Inclined Plane, a third of a mile in length, with a rise of over 200 feet. The loaded wagons going downhill counter-weighed the empty wagons going up. The speed was controlled by a brakeman in a tower at the top. The tramway was used until 1924.
Bugsworth Basin closed in 1927 and by the 1960s was dry and overgrown. In 1968 volunteers from the Inland Waterways Protection Society began the long work of restoration. The basin re-opened in 1999 but had to be closed again after a few months later due to major leaks. Further work has been carried out and the basin re-opened in 2005.
There is a simple map of the basin on the page which follows this.
Looking east from Bridgemont Junction along the half-mile stretch towards Bugsworth.
The approach channel to Bugsworth Basin before dredging.
Teapot Row.
The Entrance Basin to Bugsworth, beyond which is the narrow guaging stop, where the weight of boats' cargoes would be assessed before they left the basin. On the right is the Wharfinger's House. Out of sight behind trees is the former stable.
The canal curves to the right after the Entrance Basin, with horse bridges across the entrances to the Lower Basin and the Lower Basin Arm. Horses towing boats to the upper basins would cross these bridges to continue along the canal.
The Lower Basin, Bugsworth, looking towards the Entrance Basin.
The Lower Basin arm, where the sleeper blocks of the former tramways can be seen. Wagons carrying limestone were brought down the tramway from the quarries at Dove Holes.