Our insiders’ guide to 10 of the best waterside and nearby pubs to be found along the Macclesfield Canal. Read our cruise guide here

Ring O’Bells, Marple.
0161 427 2300
By Bridge 2
Solid stone-built traditional pub with real ale, food, canalside terrace, live music at weekends including brass band Sunday lunchtimes
More info

Bulls Head, High Lane
01663 766195
By Bridge 11
Community local with real ale, food (home made pizzas and burgers a speciality), canalside outdoor seating
More info

Boars Head, Shrigley Road North, Higher Poynton
01625 409853
5 mins north west of Bridge 15
Refurbished under new owner, with real ale including independent breweries, traditional pub food and garden

Miners Arms, Wood Lane North, Fourlane Ends
01625 872314
Large family-friendly pub with emphasis on food, real ale and 180-seater garden

Vale Inn, Adlington Road, Bollington
01625 575147
5 mins south of Bridge 26
Set in a terrace of stone-built houses, serves its own real ale brewed on the premises. Traditional pub food (inc pies), garden
More info

Puss in Boots, Macclesfield
07841 619285
5 mins from Bridge 37, down hill and first left
Family friendly refurbished traditional stone pub. Real ale, food, beer garden plus outdoor tables by towpath.

Old Kings Head, Gurnett
01625 611444
At bottom of steps down from aqueduct
Former smithy pre-dating the canal, with real ale, food and outdoor seating
More info

Railway, Congleton
01260 400010
By bridge 75
Railway themed (but originally a canal pub called the Navigation), emphasis on food but welcomes those just wanting a drink. Range of real ales, garden
More info

Rising Sun, Station Road, Scholar Green
01782 776235
Just west of Bridge 87
Family friendly community pub with real ale, reasonably-priced food including pizzas, garden
More info

Bleeding Wolf, Congleton Road, Scholar Green
01782 782272
Just west of Bridge 94 and right at main road
Recently refurbished listed 1930s road house with thatched roof. Real ale, restaurant food and bar snacks, garden
More info